Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
affections
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
averse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Madame de Ventadour had been in England in her childhood, for her parents had been /emigres/.
beginnings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
best
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
betimes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
bridle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
childhood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame de Ventadour had been in England in her childhood, for her parents had been /emigres/.
class
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Maltravers was soon of the latter class.
contend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
de
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
domino
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
dostauxiliary verbUS /dɑːst/
an old form of “do”, used with “thou”
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
emigres
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame de Ventadour had been in England in her childhood, for her parents had been /emigres/.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
England
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame de Ventadour had been in England in her childhood, for her parents had been /emigres/.
English
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
familiar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
fearfull
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
fluently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Madame de Ventadour had been in England in her childhood, for her parents had been /emigres/.
foreign
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
French
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
frequently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
friends
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
gan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
growe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Madame de Ventadour had been in England in her childhood, for her parents had been /emigres/.
hazarding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Madame de Ventadour had been in England in her childhood, for her parents had been /emigres/.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
language
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
latter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Maltravers was soon of the latter class.
lend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
Madame
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
MALTRAVERS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
Most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
Palmer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
parents
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Madame de Ventadour had been in England in her childhood, for her parents had been /emigres/.
person
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
pleasednounUS /ˈpleased/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
proudly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
ShepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
soon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
SPENSER
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
spoke
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
sufficiently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
suffrance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
Then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
thoughts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
thrice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
thus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
twice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
vain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
Ventadour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
wan
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
weak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
week
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
WhileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading She spoke English well and fluently, and this pleased Maltravers; for though the French language was sufficiently familiar to him, he was like most who are more vain of the mind than the person, and proudly averse to hazarding his best thoughts in the domino of a foreign language.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading MALTRAVERS went frequently to the house of Madame de Ventadour--it was open twice a week to the world, and thrice a week to friends.
wretched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Then 'gan the Palmer thus--'Most wretched man That to affections dost the bridle lend: In their beginnings they are weak and wan, But soon, through suffrance, growe to fearfull end; While they are weak, betimes with them contend.'" SPENSER.
