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Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters
Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters

Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

Chapter 18 of Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters is here in full — 192 sentences across 39 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/38 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
_PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.
Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.
But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.
Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.
These, however, were not the only disquieting circumstances which surrounded her.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters

Chapter XVIII · Chapter 18

Chapter 18 of Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters is here in full — 192 sentences across 39 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/38 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
_PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.
Line 2
Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.
Line 3
But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.
/bʌt əˈlæs wiː mʌst lʊk əˈpɑːn ðɪs ˈvɪzɪt wɪtʃ siːmd tuː mɑːrk ðə ˈhaɪəst pɔɪnt ɪn hɜːr ˈmɑːdəst feɪm æz ˈmɑːrkɪŋ ˈɔːlsoʊ ə ˈdaʊnwərd steɪdʒ ɪn hɜːr kərˈɪr æz rɪˈɡɑːrdz boʊθ prɑːˈsperəti ənd helθ/
Line 4
Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.
Line 5
These, however, were not the only disquieting circumstances which surrounded her.
/ðiːz ˌhaʊˈevər wɜːr nɑːt ðə ˈoʊnli dɪˈskwaɪətɪŋ ˈsɜːrkəmstænsəz wɪtʃ sərˈaʊndɪd hɜːr/

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.

ailments noun US /ˈeɪlmənts/

plural of “ailment” — an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining

From this reading “Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.”

Cassandra noun US /kəˈsændrə/

(Greek mythology) a prophetess in Troy during the Trojan War whose predictions were true but were never believed

From this reading “Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.”

coincided verb US /ˌkoʊənˈsaɪdəd/

past form of “coincide” — go with, fall together

From this reading “Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.”

diminish verb US /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/

decrease in size, extent, or range

From this reading “Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.”

disquieting adjective US /dɪˈskwaɪətɪŋ/

causing mental discomfort

From this reading “These, however, were not the only disquieting circumstances which surrounded her.”

marking noun US /ˈmɑːrkɪŋ/

a distinguishing symbol

From this reading “But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.”

muggy adjective US /ˈmʌɡi/

hot or warm and humid

From this reading “Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.”

sow verb US /saʊ/

place (seeds) in or on the ground for future growth

From this reading “Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.”

All words in this reading · 106

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.

1815

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

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

1816

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

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

ableadjectiveUS /ˈeɪbəl/

(usually followed by “to”) having the necessary means or skill or know-how or authority to do something

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

accustomedadjectiveUS /əˈkʌstəmd/

commonly used or practiced; usual

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

ailmentsnounUS /ˈeɪlmənts/

plural of “ailment” — an often persistent bodily disorder or disease; a cause for complaining

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

alasexclamationUS /əˈlæs/

used to show sadness, pity, or regret

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/

in addition

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

attentionnounUS /əˈtenʃən/

the process whereby a person concentrates on some features of the environment to the (relative) exclusion of others

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

bodilyadverbUS /ˈbɑːdəli/

in bodily form

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

brothernounUS /ˈbrʌðər/

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

careernounUS /kərˈɪr/

the particular occupation for which you are trained

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

CassandranounUS /kəˈsændrə/

(Greek mythology) a prophetess in Troy during the Trojan War whose predictions were true but were never believed

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

circumstancesnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəmstænsəz/

your overall circumstances or condition in life (including everything that happens to you)

From this reading These, however, were not the only disquieting circumstances which surrounded her.

closeadjectiveUS /kloʊs/

at or within a short distance in space or time or having elements near each other

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

coincidedverbUS /ˌkoʊənˈsaɪdəd/

past form of “coincide” — go with, fall together

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

combinedadjectiveUS /kəmˈbaɪnd/

made or joined or united into one

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

conditionnounUS /kənˈdɪʃən/

a state at a particular time

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

continueverbUS /kənˈtɪnjuː/

continue a certain state, condition, or activity

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

determineverbUS /dəˈtɜːrmən/

establish after a calculation, investigation, experiment, survey, or study

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

diminishverbUS /dɪˈmɪnɪʃ/

decrease in size, extent, or range

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

diseasenounUS /dɪˈziːz/

an impairment of health or a condition of abnormal functioning

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

disquietingadjectiveUS /dɪˈskwaɪətɪŋ/

causing mental discomfort

From this reading These, however, were not the only disquieting circumstances which surrounded her.

downwardadjectiveUS /ˈdaʊnwərd/

extending or moving from a higher to a lower place

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

Emma

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

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

enjoymentnounUS /ˌenˈdʒɔɪmənt/

the pleasure felt when having a good time

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

everadverbUS /ˈevər/

at any time

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

exactadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzækt/

Strictly particular and correct.

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

excitementnounUS /ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/

the feeling of lively and cheerful joy

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

expectingverbUS /ɪkˈspektɪŋ/

-ing form of “expect” — regard something as probable or likely

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

famenounUS /feɪm/

the state or quality of being widely honored and acclaimed

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

faradverbUS /fɑːr/

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

freeverbUS /friː/

grant freedom to; free from confinement

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

healthnounUS /helθ/

a healthy state of wellbeing free from disease

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

HerdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

highestadjectiveUS /ˈhaɪəst/

superlative of “high” — greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

highlyadverbUS /ˈhaɪli/

to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading These, however, were not the only disquieting circumstances which surrounded her.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

Jane

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

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

knowverbUS /noʊ/

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

LondonnounUS /ˈlʌndən/

the capital and largest city of England; located on the Thames in southeastern England; financial and industrial and cultural center

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

lookverbUS /lʊk/

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

markverbUS /mɑːrk/

attach a tag or label to

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

markingnounUS /ˈmɑːrkɪŋ/

a distinguishing symbol

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

modestadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdəst/

marked by simplicity; having a humble opinion of yourself

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

muggyadjectiveUS /ˈmʌɡi/

hot or warm and humid

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

naturenounUS /ˈneɪtʃər/

the essential qualities or characteristics by which something is recognized

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading These, however, were not the only disquieting circumstances which surrounded her.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading These, however, were not the only disquieting circumstances which surrounded her.

perfectlyadverbUS /ˈpɜːrfəktli/

completely and without qualification; used informally as intensifiers

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

PerhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/

by chance

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

personnounUS /ˈpɜːrsən/

a human being

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

PERSUASIONnounUS /pərˈsweɪʒən/

the act of persuading (or attempting to persuade); communication intended to induce belief or action

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

pointnounUS /pɔɪnt/

a geometric element that has position but no extension

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

possiblyadverbUS /ˈpɑːsəbli/

by chance

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

praisedverbUS /preɪzd/

past form of “praise” — express approval of

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

probablyadverbUS /ˈprɑːbəbliː/

with considerable certainty; without much doubt

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

prosperitynounUS /prɑːˈsperəti/

an economic state of growth with rising profits and full employment

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

publicationnounUS /ˌpʌblɪˈkeɪʃən/

a copy of a printed work offered for distribution

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

regardsnounUS /rɪˈɡɑːrdz/

plural of “regard” — (usually preceded by “in”) a detail or point

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

remarknounUS /rɪˈmɑːrk/

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

securitynounUS /sɪˈkjʊrəti/

the state of being free from danger or injury

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

seedsnounUS /siːdz/

plural of “seed” — a small hard fruit

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

seemedverbUS /siːmd/

past form of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

seemsverbUS /siːmz/

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

sick-bed

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

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

soundnounUS /saʊnd/

the particular auditory effect produced by a given cause

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

sowverbUS /saʊ/

place (seeds) in or on the ground for future growth

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

stagenounUS /steɪdʒ/

any distinct time period in a sequence of events

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

surroundedadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪd/

confined on all sides

From this reading These, however, were not the only disquieting circumstances which surrounded her.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

ThesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

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

From this reading These, however, were not the only disquieting circumstances which surrounded her.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

unwholesomeadjective

detrimental to physical or moral well-being

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

vigournoun

forceful exertion

From this reading Perhaps the excitement of the publication of _Emma_, and probably the close attention on the sick-bed of her brother which coincided with it--possibly even the muggy weather which she praised so highly--combined to diminish her vigour, and to sow the seeds of a disease, the exact nature of which no one seems ever to have been able to determine.

visitverbUS /ˈvɪzɪt/

go to see a place, as for entertainment

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

weathernounUS /ˈweðər/

the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

wentverbUS /went/

inflected form of “go” — change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading _PERSUASION_ 1815-1816 So far as we know, Jane went to London in 1815 perfectly sound in health.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading These, however, were not the only disquieting circumstances which surrounded her.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading But, alas! we must look upon this visit, which seemed to mark the highest point in her modest fame, as marking also a downward stage in her career as regards both prosperity and health.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

writtenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪtən/

set down in writing in any of various ways

From this reading Her remark to Cassandra on her enjoyment of the muggy, unwholesome weather is written with the security of a person accustomed to be free from bodily ailments, and expecting that condition of things to continue.

Chapter 18 of Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters by William Austen-Leigh holds 192 sentences, grouped into 39 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 18 of Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters contain?

Chapter 18 holds 192 sentences of Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters, unabridged, divided into 39 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 18 of Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters by William Austen-Leigh exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 192 sentences, grouped into 39 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 18 of Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters?

Work through the 39 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 39 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 18 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 18 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 Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters

Common questions about reading Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters by William Austen-Leigh on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters?

Yes. All 6159 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #22536 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #22536, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters take to read?

About 513 minutes of reading across 1232 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters section by section

How to work through Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 22 chapters of Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters 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 Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters

Words and structures a reader meets early in Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Sixteenth
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Century
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Living
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Horsmonden--a
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Jane Austen, Her Life and Letters; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.