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Fairy Tales Every Child Should Know
Fairy Tales Every Child Should Know

Chapter VIII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/33 · 5 lines
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THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.
Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.
The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.
He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.
I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Fairy Tales Every Child Should Know

Chapter VIII

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

Line 1
THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.
Line 2
Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.
Line 3
The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.
Line 4
He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.
Line 5
I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

Learner Dictionary

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

Added noun US /added/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.”

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.”

Believe noun US /ˈbelieve/

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

From this reading “Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.”

Determined adjective US /dɪˈtɜrmɪnd/

having firmly decided to do something

From this reading “The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.”

Done noun US /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.”

Ever noun US /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.”

Found noun US /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.”

Handsome noun US /ˈhandsome/

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

From this reading “THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.”

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.”

Resign noun US /resign/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.”

Rest noun US /rest/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.”

Therefore adverb US /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading “The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.”

All words in this reading · 134

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

addednounUS /added/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

affairs

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

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

age

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

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

all

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

From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

amusement

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

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

attending

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

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

believenounUS /ˈbelieve/

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

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

brave

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

From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

cabinet

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

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

capable

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

Capital

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

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

CAT

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

From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

children

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

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

closely

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

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

contriving

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

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

conversing

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

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

courtiers

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

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

crown

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

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

days

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

dear

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

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

deprive

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

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

desire

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

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

determinedadjectiveUS /dɪˈtɜrmɪnd/

having firmly decided to do something

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

donenounUS /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

employ

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

evernounUS /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

fear

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

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

felt

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

fill

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

give

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

governing

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

growing

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

handsomenounUS /ˈhandsome/

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

From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

head

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

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

hitherto

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

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

hope

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

impatient

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

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

inclination

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

injurious

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From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

just

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From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

kindly

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From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

king

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From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

kingdom

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From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

leave

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

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

made

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From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

manner

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From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

more

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

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

noble

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From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

old

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From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

once

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From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

otherwise

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

pass

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From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

peaceably

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From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

persons

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From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

place

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From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

plot

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

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

power

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

present

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From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

prevents

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From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

princes

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

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

procure

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

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

remarkably

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From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

resignnounUS /resign/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

restnounUS /rest/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

retirement

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

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

return

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

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

sceptre

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From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

sensible

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From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

sent

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

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

Some

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From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

sons

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

From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

spend

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

state

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

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

subjects

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

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

succeeding

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

tempers

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From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

There

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From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading I fear this may be injurious to my subjects; I therefore desire to place my crown on the head of one of you, but it is no more than just, that in return for such a present, you should procure me some amusement in my retirement, before I leave the Capital for ever.

three

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

From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

undutiful

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

up

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

From this reading The king felt he was growing old; but as he found himself as capable of governing as he had ever been, he had no inclination to resign his power; and therefore, that he might pass the rest of his days peaceably, he determined to employ the princes in such a manner, as at once to give each of them the hope of succeeding to the crown, and fill up the time they might otherwise spend in so undutiful a manner.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

wear

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

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

WHITE

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

From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading THE WHITE CAT There was once a king who had three sons, all remarkably handsome in their persons, and in their tempers brave and noble.

wicked

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

From this reading Some wicked courtiers made the king believe that the princes were impatient to wear the crown, and that they were contriving a plot to deprive him of his sceptre and his kingdom.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.

YoupronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading He sent for them to his cabinet, and after conversing with them kindly, he added: "You must be sensible, my dear children, that my great age prevents me from attending so closely as I have hitherto done to state affairs.