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David Copperfield
David Copperfield

Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

Chapter 14 of David Copperfield is here in full — 569 sentences across 114 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for David Copperfield
Context Illustration Reading 1/113 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.
We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.
He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.
My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.
Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

David Copperfield

Chapter XIV · Chapter 14

Chapter 14 of David Copperfield is here in full — 569 sentences across 114 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/113 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.
Line 2
We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.
Line 3
He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.
Line 4
My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.
Line 5
Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

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.

Mind noun US /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading “Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.”

Nights noun US /naɪts/

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading “Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.”

All words in this reading · 112

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.

a

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

From this reading Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.

about

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

afloat

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

after

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

all

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

amusement

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

an

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

and

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

From this reading Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.

ashore

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

assiduously

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

asunder

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

From this reading We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.

at

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

From this reading We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.

attended

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

back

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

Barkis

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

bed

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

being

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

boating

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

but

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

From this reading We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.

call

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

came

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

clothes

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

coming

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

constraint

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

consult

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

country

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

From this reading Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.

day

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

did

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

favourite

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

fishermen

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

fishermen's

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

flood

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

for

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

From this reading Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.

fortnight

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

From this reading Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.

free

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

from

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

generally

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

good

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

had

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

He

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

heard

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

his

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

hours

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

From this reading We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.

house

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

how

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

humour

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

I

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

From this reading Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.

in

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

From this reading Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.

indifferent

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

Inn

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

it

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

knowing

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

late

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

like

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

little

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

lying

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

making

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

me

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

MindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

moonlight

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

more

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

From this reading Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.

morning

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

Mr

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

much

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

From this reading We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.

My

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

need

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

From this reading We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.

night

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

nightsnounUS /naɪts/

Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

not

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

From this reading We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.

nothing

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

occasionally

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

From this reading We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.

occupation

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

of

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

From this reading Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.

on

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

one

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

out

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

own

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

part

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

From this reading Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.

Peggotty

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

Peggotty's

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

put

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

remain

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

remained

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

sailor

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

say

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

From this reading We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.

she

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

some

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

From this reading We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.

spare-room

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

stayed

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

From this reading Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.

Steerforth

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

From this reading Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.

than

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

From this reading Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.

that

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

From this reading Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.

the

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

From this reading Steerforth and I stayed for more than a fortnight in that part of the country.

Thus

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

tide

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

time

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

From this reading We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.

to

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

together

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

From this reading We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.

treats

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

upon

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

very

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

From this reading We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.

was

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

We

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

From this reading We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.

went

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

were

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

From this reading We were very much together, I need not say; but occasionally we were asunder for some hours at a time.

when

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

whereas

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

From this reading My occupation of Peggotty’s spare-room put a constraint upon me, from which he was free: for, knowing how assiduously she attended on Mr. Barkis all day, I did not like to remain out late at night; whereas Steerforth, lying at the Inn, had nothing to consult but his own humour.

which

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

whole

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

Willing

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

with

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

From this reading He was a good sailor, and I was but an indifferent one; and when he went out boating with Mr. Peggotty, which was a favourite amusement of his, I generally remained ashore.

wrapped

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

From this reading Thus it came about, that I heard of his making little treats for the fishermen at Mr. Peggotty’s house of call, ‘The Willing Mind’, after I was in bed, and of his being afloat, wrapped in fishermen’s clothes, whole moonlight nights, and coming back when the morning tide was at flood.

Chapter 14 of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens holds 569 sentences, grouped into 114 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, 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 14 of David Copperfield contain?

Chapter 14 holds 569 sentences of David Copperfield, unabridged, divided into 114 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 14 of David Copperfield by Charles Dickens exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 569 sentences, grouped into 114 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 14 of David Copperfield?

Work through the 114 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 114 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 14 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 14 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 David Copperfield

Common questions about reading David Copperfield by Charles Dickens on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of David Copperfield?

Yes. All 18139 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #766 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of David Copperfield is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #766, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does David Copperfield take to read?

About 600 minutes of reading across 3628 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read David Copperfield section by section

How to work through David Copperfield section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of David Copperfield 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 David Copperfield

Words and structures a reader meets early in David Copperfield, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Whether
A word that appears in the opening chapter of David Copperfield; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Shall
A word that appears in the opening chapter of David Copperfield; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Station
A word that appears in the opening chapter of David Copperfield; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Anybody
A word that appears in the opening chapter of David Copperfield; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.