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Arethusa
Arethusa

Chapter XVIII

Cover illustration for Arethusa
Context Illustration Reading 1/33 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.
Heroism is nearer the surface in women than in most men, and often goes quite as deep.
Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.
It was not at all likely that they would set him free even if they got the great ransom they demanded.
But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Arethusa

Chapter XVIII

Reading 1/33 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.
Line 2
Heroism is nearer the surface in women than in most men, and often goes quite as deep.
Line 3
Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.
Line 4
It was not at all likely that they would set him free even if they got the great ransom they demanded.
Line 5
But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

Learner Dictionary

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

Because conjunction US /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading “Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.”

Brought noun US /ˈbrought/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It was not at all likely that they would set him free even if they got the great ransom they demanded.”

Found noun US /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.”

Free adjective US /friː/

acting without enough restraint or discipline

From this reading “It was not at all likely that they would set him free even if they got the great ransom they demanded.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.”

Let auxiliary verb US /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading “Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.”

Liberty noun US /ˈlɪb.ər.ti/

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.

From this reading “Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.”

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.”

Quite noun US /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.”

Save preposition US /seɪv/

except for; apart from

From this reading “The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.”

Stood noun US /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.”

Suddenly noun US /ˈsuddenly/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.”

Whether conjunction US /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading “The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “It was not at all likely that they would set him free even if they got the great ransom they demanded.”

All words in this reading · 116

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 The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

all

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

Andronicus

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

any

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

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It was not at all likely that they would set him free even if they got the great ransom they demanded.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

bore

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

captors

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

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

certainly

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

chances

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

clear

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

confinement

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

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

Constantinople

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

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

dangerous

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

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

deep

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

From this reading Heroism is nearer the surface in women than in most men, and often goes quite as deep.

demanded

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

From this reading It was not at all likely that they would set him free even if they got the great ransom they demanded.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It was not at all likely that they would set him free even if they got the great ransom they demanded.

failed

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

freeadjectiveUS /friː/

acting without enough restraint or discipline

From this reading It was not at all likely that they would set him free even if they got the great ransom they demanded.

friend

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

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

goes

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

From this reading Heroism is nearer the surface in women than in most men, and often goes quite as deep.

got

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

From this reading It was not at all likely that they would set him free even if they got the great ransom they demanded.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

hand

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

happiness

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

Heroism

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

From this reading Heroism is nearer the surface in women than in most men, and often goes quite as deep.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

hopeless

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

how

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Heroism is nearer the surface in women than in most men, and often goes quite as deep.

intended

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Heroism is nearer the surface in women than in most men, and often goes quite as deep.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

Johannes

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

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

just

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

keep

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

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

letauxiliary verbUS /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

libertynounUS /ˈlɪb.ər.ti/

The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions on one's way of life.

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

lifted

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

likely

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

From this reading It was not at all likely that they would set him free even if they got the great ransom they demanded.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

matters

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

means

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

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

meant

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

men

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

From this reading Heroism is nearer the surface in women than in most men, and often goes quite as deep.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

most

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

nearer

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

From this reading Heroism is nearer the surface in women than in most men, and often goes quite as deep.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading It was not at all likely that they would set him free even if they got the great ransom they demanded.

now

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

often

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

From this reading Heroism is nearer the surface in women than in most men, and often goes quite as deep.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

out

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

own

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

perish

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

position

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

prison

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

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

quitenounUS /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

ransom

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

From this reading It was not at all likely that they would set him free even if they got the great ransom they demanded.

rash

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

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

realised

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

regained

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

revolution

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

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

rise

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

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

ruin

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

saveprepositionUS /seɪv/

except for; apart from

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

set

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

From this reading It was not at all likely that they would set him free even if they got the great ransom they demanded.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

simply

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

staked

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

stoodnounUS /stood/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

succeeded

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

suddenlynounUS /ˈsuddenly/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

surface

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

From this reading Heroism is nearer the surface in women than in most men, and often goes quite as deep.

taken

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Heroism is nearer the surface in women than in most men, and often goes quite as deep.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

throne

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

From this reading But if by any means Johannes could be brought suddenly from his prison, all Constantinople would rise in revolution to set him on the throne, and it would be as dangerous to keep his friend Zeno in confinement as it now seemed rash to his captors to let him out.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

Tocktamish

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

understood

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

very

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

wave

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Zoë had understood very suddenly how matters stood, and that Tocktamish and his men meant to let Zeno perish, simply because he might ruin them all if he regained his liberty; or, if it were found out that he was taken, they intended to hand him over to Andronicus.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

women

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

From this reading Heroism is nearer the surface in women than in most men, and often goes quite as deep.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading It was not at all likely that they would set him free even if they got the great ransom they demanded.

Zeno

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.

Zoë

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

From this reading The position of Zeno was quite clear to Zoë now, and a great wave of happiness lifted her and bore her on with it as she realised that she might save his life just when his chances looked most hopeless, and that whether she succeeded or failed her own must certainly be staked for his.