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Boris the Bear-Hunter
Boris the Bear-Hunter

Chapter XXVIII · How the Swedes Erected a Gibbet for Boris

Chapter XXVIII of Boris the Bear-Hunter, “How the Swedes Erected a Gibbet for Boris,” is here in full — 98 sentences across 20 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/19 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.
While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.
Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.
Peter provided the craft as well as the supper, but the guests were obliged to navigate for themselves.
Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Boris the Bear-Hunter

Chapter XXVIII · How the Swedes Erected a Gibbet for Boris

Chapter XXVIII of Boris the Bear-Hunter, “How the Swedes Erected a Gibbet for Boris,” is here in full — 98 sentences across 20 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/19 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.
/naʊ ðæt ˈrʌʃə wɑːz ɔːr wʊd biː ə ˈmerətaɪm ˈpaʊər ðə zɑːr wɑːz dɪˈtɜːrmənd ðæt ðoʊz ərˈaʊnd hɪm ʌv ˈevəri ɡreɪd ʃʊd lɜːrn ˈsʌmθɪŋ ʌv ˈneɪvəl əˈferz/
Line 2
While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.
Line 3
Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.
/ˈpiːtər ˈɔːrɡənaɪzd ˌentərˈteɪnmənts fɔːr hɪz ˈpiːpəl ˌɪnˈvaɪtɪŋ lɑːrdʒ ˈnʌmbərz tuː sʌp wɪð hɪm iːtʃ ˈiːvnɪŋ ɪn ə tent əˈpɑːn æn ˈaɪlənd wɪtʃ kʊd ˈoʊnli biː əˈproʊtʃt baɪ miːnz ʌv boʊts ɔːr ˈseɪlɪŋ jɑːts fɔːr ʌv kɔːrs ðer wɜːr æz jet noʊ ˈbrɪdʒəz/
Line 4
Peter provided the craft as well as the supper, but the guests were obliged to navigate for themselves.
/ˈpiːtər prəˈvaɪdɪd ðə kræft æz wel æz ðə ˈsʌpər bʌt ðə ɡests wɜːr əˈblaɪdʒd tuː ˈnævəɡeɪt fɔːr ðemˈselvz/
Line 5
Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.
/ˈmeni ðə məˈdʒɔːrəti ˌɪnˈdiːd ʌv ðiːz hæd ˈnevər set fʊt ɪn ə boʊt ʌv ˈeni sɔːrt ɪn ðer lɪvz ənd ˌnɑːtwɪθˈstændɪŋ ðə ˈɑːnər wɪtʃ æn ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən tuː hɪz ˈmædʒəstiz bɔːrd ənˈdaʊtɪdli ˈkærid wɪð ɪt ðeɪ wʊd ˈɡlædli hæv ɡɔːn wɪˈθaʊt boʊθ ðə ˈɑːnər ənd ðə ˈseɪlɪŋ tuː/

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

beginnings noun US /bɪˈɡɪnɪŋz/

plural of “beginning” — the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading “While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.”

entertainments noun US /ˌentərˈteɪnmənts/

plural of “entertainment” — an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention

From this reading “Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.”

humbler adjective US /ˈhʌmbələr/

comparative of “humble” — low or inferior in station or quality

From this reading “While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.”

maritime adjective US /ˈmerətaɪm/

relating to or involving ships or shipping or navigation or seamen

From this reading “Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.”

navigate verb US /ˈnævəɡeɪt/

travel on water propelled by wind or by other means

From this reading “Peter provided the craft as well as the supper, but the guests were obliged to navigate for themselves.”

sup noun US /sʌp/

a small amount of liquid food

From this reading “Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.”

Tsar noun US /zɑːr/

a male monarch or emperor (especially of Russia prior to 1917)

From this reading “Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.”

yachts noun US /jɑːts/

plural of “yacht” — an expensive vessel propelled by sail or power and used for cruising or racing

From this reading “Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

large numbers adjective + noun

In this reading “Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.”

devised means verb + noun counted as “devise means”

In this reading “While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.”

humbler classes adjective + noun counted as “humble class”

In this reading “While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.”

of course preposition + noun

as might be expected

In this reading “Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.”

by means preposition + noun

In this reading “Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.”

set foot verb + noun

In this reading “Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.”

any sort adjective + noun

In this reading “Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.”

All words in this reading · 121

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

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 Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

affairsnounUS /əˈferz/

matters of personal concern

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

approachedverbUS /əˈproʊtʃt/

past form of “approach” — move towards

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

beginningsnounUS /bɪˈɡɪnɪŋz/

plural of “beginning” — the event consisting of the start of something

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

boardnounUS /bɔːrd/

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

boatnounUS /boʊt/

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

boatsnounUS /boʊts/

plural of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

bridgesnounUS /ˈbrɪdʒəz/

United States labor leader who organized the longshoremen (1901-1990)

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Peter provided the craft as well as the supper, but the guests were obliged to navigate for themselves.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

carriedverbUS /ˈkærid/

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

citynounUS /ˈsɪti/

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

classesnounUS /ˈklæsəz/

plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

companionsnounUS /kəmˈpænjənz/

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

coursenounUS /kɔːrs/

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

craftnounUS /kræft/

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading Peter provided the craft as well as the supper, but the guests were obliged to navigate for themselves.

determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜːrmənd/

characterized by great determination

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

devisedverbUS /dɪˈvaɪzd/

past form of “devise” — come up with (an idea, plan, explanation, theory, or principle) after a mental effort

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

entertainmentsnounUS /ˌentərˈteɪnmənts/

plural of “entertainment” — an activity that is diverting and that holds the attention

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

eveningnounUS /ˈiːvnɪŋ/

the latter part of the day (the period of decreasing daylight from late afternoon until nightfall)

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

favouritenounUS /ˈfeɪvərɪt/

a competitor thought likely to win

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

footnounUS /fʊt/

the part of the leg of a human being below the ankle joint

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

gladlyadverbUS /ˈɡlædli/

in a willing manner

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

goneadjectiveUS /ɡɔːn/

destroyed or killed

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

gradenounUS /ɡreɪd/

a body of students who are taught together

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

guestsnounUS /ɡests/

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading Peter provided the craft as well as the supper, but the guests were obliged to navigate for themselves.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

honournounUS /ˈɑːnər/

the state of being honored

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

humbleradjectiveUS /ˈhʌmbələr/

comparative of “humble” — low or inferior in station or quality

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

invitationnounUS /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃən/

a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

invitingadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈvaɪtɪŋ/

attractive and tempting

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

islandnounUS /ˈaɪlənd/

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

learnverbUS /lɜːrn/

gain knowledge or skills

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

learningnounUS /ˈlɜːrnɪŋ/

the cognitive process of acquiring skill or knowledge

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

leastadjectiveUS /liːst/

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

livesnounUS /lɪvz/

plural of “life” — a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

Majesty'snounUS /ˈmædʒəstiz/

possessive form of “majesty” — impressiveness in scale or proportion

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

majoritynounUS /məˈdʒɔːrəti/

the property resulting from being or relating to the greater in number of two parts; the main part

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

maritimeadjectiveUS /ˈmerətaɪm/

relating to or involving ships or shipping or navigation or seamen

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

meansnounUS /miːnz/

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

navaladjectiveUS /ˈneɪvəl/

connected with or belonging to or used in a navy

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

navigateverbUS /ˈnævəɡeɪt/

travel on water propelled by wind or by other means

From this reading Peter provided the craft as well as the supper, but the guests were obliged to navigate for themselves.

neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

notwithstandingadverbUS /ˌnɑːtwɪθˈstændɪŋ/

despite anything to the contrary (usually preceding a concession)

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

NowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

numbersnounUS /ˈnʌmbərz/

the fourth book of the Old Testament; contains a record of the number of Israelites who followed Moses out of Egypt

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

oarsnounUS /ɔːrz/

plural of “oar” — an implement used to propel or steer a boat

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

obligedadjectiveUS /əˈblaɪdʒd/

under a moral obligation to do something

From this reading Peter provided the craft as well as the supper, but the guests were obliged to navigate for themselves.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

officersnounUS /ˈɔːfəsərz/

plural of “officer” — any person in the armed services who holds a position of authority or command

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

opportunitynounUS /ˌɑːpərˈtuːnəti/

a possibility due to a favorable combination of circumstances

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

organizedadjectiveUS /ˈɔːrɡənaɪzd/

formed into a structured or coherent whole, particularly on a large scale

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

PeternounUS /ˈpiːtər/

disciple of Jesus and leader of the Apostles; regarded by Catholics as the vicar of Christ on earth and first Pope

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

PetersburgnounUS /ˈpiːtərzbərɡ/

a town in southeastern Virginia (south of Richmond); scene of heavy fighting during the American Civil War

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

possibleadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːsəbəl/

capable of happening or existing

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

powernounUS /ˈpaʊər/

possession of controlling influence

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

progressnounUS /ˈprɑːɡres/

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

providedverbUS /prəˈvaɪdɪd/

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading Peter provided the craft as well as the supper, but the guests were obliged to navigate for themselves.

RussianounUS /ˈrʌʃə/

a former communist country in eastern Europe and northern Asia; established in 1922; included Russia and 14 other soviet socialist republics (Ukraine and Byelorussia and others); officially dissolved 31 December 1991

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

sailingnounUS /ˈseɪlɪŋ/

the work of a sailor

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

sailsnounUS /seɪlz/

plural of “sail” — a large piece of fabric (usually canvas fabric) by means of which wind is used to propel a sailing vessel

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

setverbUS /set/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

sortnounUS /sɔːrt/

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

sovereignadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːv.rən/

Possessing supreme or ultimate power; autonomous and commanding.

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

St

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

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

subjectsnounUS /ˈsʌbdʒɪkts/

plural of “subject” — the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

supnounUS /sʌp/

a small amount of liquid food

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

suppernounUS /ˈsʌpər/

a light evening meal; served in early evening if dinner is at midday or served late in the evening at bedtime

From this reading Peter provided the craft as well as the supper, but the guests were obliged to navigate for themselves.

tentnounUS /tent/

a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading Peter provided the craft as well as the supper, but the guests were obliged to navigate for themselves.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

TsarnounUS /zɑːr/

a male monarch or emperor (especially of Russia prior to 1917)

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

undoubtedlyadverbUS /ənˈdaʊtɪdli/

without doubt; certainly

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

usenounUS /juːs/

the act of using

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

welladverbUS /wel/

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

whereby

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

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading While, therefore, the beginnings of the city of St. Petersburg were in progress, the sovereign devised means whereby as many as possible of his favourite companions and officers, as well as humbler classes of his subjects, should at least have the opportunity of learning the use of sails and oars.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Many, the majority indeed, of these had never set foot in a boat of any sort in their lives, and, notwithstanding the honour which an invitation to his Majesty's board undoubtedly carried with it, they would gladly have gone without both the honour and the sailing, too.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Now that Russia was, or would be, a maritime power, the Tsar was determined that those around him, of every grade, should learn something of naval affairs.

yachtsnounUS /jɑːts/

plural of “yacht” — an expensive vessel propelled by sail or power and used for cruising or racing

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading Peter organized entertainments for his people, inviting large numbers to sup with him each evening in a tent upon an island, which could only be approached by means of boats or sailing yachts, for of course there were as yet no bridges.

Chapter 28 of Boris the Bear-Hunter by Frederick Whishaw holds 98 sentences, grouped into 20 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 28 of Boris the Bear-Hunter contain?

Chapter 28 holds 98 sentences of Boris the Bear-Hunter, unabridged, divided into 20 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 28 of Boris the Bear-Hunter by Frederick Whishaw exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 98 sentences, grouped into 20 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 28 of Boris the Bear-Hunter?

Work through the 20 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 20 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 28 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 28 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Boris the Bear-Hunter

Common questions about reading Boris the Bear-Hunter by Frederick Whishaw on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Boris the Bear-Hunter?

Yes. All 2906 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #45098 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Boris the Bear-Hunter is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #45098, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Boris the Bear-Hunter take to read?

About 242 minutes of reading across 582 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Boris the Bear-Hunter section by section

How to work through Boris the Bear-Hunter section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 31 chapters of Boris the Bear-Hunter to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Boris the Bear-Hunter

Words and structures a reader meets early in Boris the Bear-Hunter, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Hunter
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Boris the Bear-Hunter; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Hunted
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Boris the Bear-Hunter; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Moment
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Boris the Bear-Hunter; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Propose
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Boris the Bear-Hunter; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.