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 One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
associations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
auctioned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
back
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
best
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Failing this, a fire seems the only thing for them, and their removal to the cheaper custody of a combustible or slow-burning warehouse the best recourse.
better
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
bits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
cellnounUS /sel/
A small stone room in a prison where an inmate is locked behind iron bars.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
cemeteries
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
chance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
cheaper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Failing this, a fire seems the only thing for them, and their removal to the cheaper custody of a combustible or slow-burning warehouse the best recourse.
circumstance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
cities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
columbaria
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
combustible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Failing this, a fire seems the only thing for them, and their removal to the cheaper custody of a combustible or slow-burning warehouse the best recourse.
comes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading That is what it comes to.
confidentialadjectiveUS /ˌkɑnfəˈdɛnʃəl/
spoken privately and not for general knowledge
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
cost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
custody
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Failing this, a fire seems the only thing for them, and their removal to the cheaper custody of a combustible or slow-burning warehouse the best recourse.
deadnounUS /dead/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
enough
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
exanimate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
Failing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Failing this, a fire seems the only thing for them, and their removal to the cheaper custody of a combustible or slow-burning warehouse the best recourse.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
feels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
feign
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
finds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
fire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Failing this, a fire seems the only thing for them, and their removal to the cheaper custody of a combustible or slow-burning warehouse the best recourse.
fit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
forever
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
fragments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
hurry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
incapable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
intimately
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading That is what it comes to.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading That is what it comes to.
lives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
lock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
OnepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
one's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Failing this, a fire seems the only thing for them, and their removal to the cheaper custody of a combustible or slow-burning warehouse the best recourse.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
owners
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
pay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
pieces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
really
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
recourse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Failing this, a fire seems the only thing for them, and their removal to the cheaper custody of a combustible or slow-burning warehouse the best recourse.
removal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Failing this, a fire seems the only thing for them, and their removal to the cheaper custody of a combustible or slow-burning warehouse the best recourse.
revisits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
sad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
scattered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
seems
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Failing this, a fire seems the only thing for them, and their removal to the cheaper custody of a combustible or slow-burning warehouse the best recourse.
self
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
sense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
serve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
shelvesnounUS /ʃelvz/
Plural of shelf; the vast wooden or stone structures holding archives.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
slow-burning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Failing this, a fire seems the only thing for them, and their removal to the cheaper custody of a combustible or slow-burning warehouse the best recourse.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
steeped
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
storage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
stowed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
takes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading That is what it comes to.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Failing this, a fire seems the only thing for them, and their removal to the cheaper custody of a combustible or slow-burning warehouse the best recourse.
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Failing this, a fire seems the only thing for them, and their removal to the cheaper custody of a combustible or slow-burning warehouse the best recourse.
tithe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading That is what it comes to.
uncomformable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
uses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
volubly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
wanted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
warehouse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Failing this, a fire seems the only thing for them, and their removal to the cheaper custody of a combustible or slow-burning warehouse the best recourse.
warehouses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading That is what it comes to.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
willed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
wiser
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
wishes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If one takes the fragments out to fit them to new circumstance, one finds them not only uncomformable and incapable, but so volubly confidential of the associations in which they are steeped, that one wishes to hurry them back to their cell and lock it upon them forever.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading One may feign that these storage warehouses are cities, but they are really cemeteries: sad columbaria on whose shelves are stowed exanimate things once so intimately of their owners’ lives that it is with the sense of looking at pieces and bits of one’s dead self that one revisits them.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading One feels then that the old way was far better, and that if the things had been auctioned off, and scattered up and down, as chance willed, to serve new uses with people who wanted them enough to pay for them even a tithe of their cost, it would have been wiser.
