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A Thorny Path — Complete
A Thorny Path — Complete

Chapter IX

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Context Illustration Reading 1/41 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.
The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.
The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.
Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.
The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Thorny Path — Complete

Chapter IX

Reading 1/41 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.
Line 2
The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.
Line 3
The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.
Line 4
Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.
Line 5
The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Along preposition US /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading “The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.”

Among preposition US /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading “Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.”

Anchorage noun US /ˈæŋkərɪdʒ/

a place where a ship can anchor

From this reading “While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.”

Bustle noun US /ˈbʌsəl/

busy and excited activity

From this reading “The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.”

Free adjective US /friː/

acting without enough restraint or discipline

From this reading “The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.”

Therefore adverb US /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading “The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.”

All words in this reading · 120

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 Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

afforded

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

Agathodaemon

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

all

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

anchoragenounUS /ˈæŋkərɪdʒ/

a place where a ship can anchor

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

branch

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

bustlenounUS /ˈbʌsəl/

busy and excited activity

From this reading The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.

Canal

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

chariots

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

city

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

companion

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

connected

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

conspicuous

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.

conversation

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

convey

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

corn-barges

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

curiosity

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.

distance

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

enlarged

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

evening

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

ferry-boat

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

flitting

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

follow

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

freeadjectiveUS /friː/

acting without enough restraint or discipline

From this reading The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.

fro

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

galleys

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

gardens

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

gayly-painted

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

glassy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.

gleaming

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

glittering

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.

glow

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

gone

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.

grain

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

harbor

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

high

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

horsemen

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

house

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.

inland

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.

lake

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

large

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

lateen

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

less

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.

light

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

like

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

loaded

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

low

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

masts

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.

Mediterranean

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

Melissa

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

mirrored

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.

move

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

Nile

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

Nile-boats

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

numberless

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

piled

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

place

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

pleasure-boats

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

Polybius

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

pyramids

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

quay

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.

rays

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.

reached

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

restless

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From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

royal

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From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

sails

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

scarcely

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

sea

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

setting

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.

shore

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

shot

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.

side

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

skiffs

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

skimming

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

slanting

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.

small

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

some

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

southern

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

started

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

straw

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

sun

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.

surface

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.

taking

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

usual

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.

Vessels

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

wagons

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

walk

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

washed

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

waters

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The setting sun shot slanting rays on the glittering surface of the glassy waters in which the numberless masts of the Nile-boats were mirrored.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading While this conversation was taking place, Melissa and her companion had reached the shore of the lake, the large inland sea which washed the southern side of the city and afforded anchorage for the Nile-boats.

white

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Vessels large and small, with white or gayly-painted lateen sails gleaming in the evening glow, large galleys, light skiffs, and restless, skimming pleasure-boats, were flitting to and fro; and among them, like loaded wagons among chariots and horsemen, the low corn-barges scarcely seemed to move, piled as they were with pyramids of straw and grain as high as a house.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading The bustle on the quay was less conspicuous than usual, for all who were free to follow their curiosity had gone into the city.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The ferry-boat which would convey them to the gardens of Polybius started from the Agathodaemon Canal, an enlarged branch of the Nile, which connected the lake with the royal harbor and the Mediterranean; they had, therefore, to walk some distance along the shore.