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 Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/
from one side of something to the other
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
any
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From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
appointed
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From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
arose
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From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/
the two together, not just one
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
ceremonies
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From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
city
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
clouds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
days
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
dedication
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
describe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
engagements
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
expectation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
eye
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From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
FAUSTA
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FROM PISO TO FAUSTA.
fierce
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
filled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
forms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
FROMprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading FROM PISO TO FAUSTA.
fulfil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
full
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
games
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
hot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
incidents
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
interest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
making
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
massive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
months
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
mountains
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
news
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
occasion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
occurrences
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
ourselvespronounUS /aʊərˈselvz/
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
painful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
patient
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
piled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
PISO
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading FROM PISO TO FAUSTA.
please
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
portend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
preceding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
preparations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
promised
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
reach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
relate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
reward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
sailnounUS /sail/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
season
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
shows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
sit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
sky
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
snow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
splendorsplural nounUS /ˈsplendərz/
impressive and beautiful signs of wealth or importance
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
storm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
Sun
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
Temple
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
TOparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading FROM PISO TO FAUSTA.
unnaturally
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
Vast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
veil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
waiting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Vast preparations had been making for the occasion, for many days or even months preceding, and the day arose upon a city full of expectation of the shows, ceremonies, and games, that were to reward their long and patient waiting.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
windnounUS /wind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The day has now passed, not without incidents of even painful interest to ourselves and therefore to you, and I sit down to fulfil my engagements.
year
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading For the season of the year the day was hot, unnaturally so; and the sky filled with those massive clouds, piled like mountains of snow one upon another, which, while they both please the eye by their forms, and veil the fierce splendors of the sun, as they now and then sail across his face, at the same time portend wind and storm.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading I promised you, Fausta, before the news should reach you in any other way, to relate the occurrences and describe the ceremonies of the day appointed for the dedication of the new Temple of the Sun.
