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 OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
accused
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
altitude
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
amiable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
anyonepronounUS /ˈeniwʌn/
any person at all
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
aphorism
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
Balzac's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
bitter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
breasts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
clothing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
comfortable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
competent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.
credited
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
descend
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
doctrines
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/
the form of “do” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.
everyone's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
exceptions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
exorbitant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
fetish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.
friendship
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
general
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
gentlemennounUS /gentlemen/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
giving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.
glibly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.
holds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
human
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
impulses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
inherent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
judge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.
kind-hearted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
kindly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
kindness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.
landladies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
landlords
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
letauxiliary verbUS /let/
used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
MADAME
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.
mankind
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
meaning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.
MIDAS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.
nature
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
NodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
opinion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.
OPULENCE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
penny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
persistent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
philanthropists
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
pleasantnounUS /pleasant/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
possesses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
poverty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
preach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
precludes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.
proper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.
Pshaw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
qualities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
rooms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
rule
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
samenounUS /same/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
scale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
self-complacent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
self-interest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
Smug-faced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
social
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
sort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
spendingnounUS /ˈspending/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
streets
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From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
tables
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
talk
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/
in spite of the fact that
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
thoughts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
thousands
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
thus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.
today
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
twice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
unjustly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
wealth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He is not competent to judge, for his wealth precludes him giving a proper opinion.
wealthy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.
well-spread
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Smug-faced philanthropists can preach comfortable doctrines in pleasant rooms with well-spread tables and good clothing; they can talk about human nature being unjustly accused, and of the kindly impulses and good thoughts in everyone’s breasts.
word
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE OPULENCE OF MADAME MIDAS A wealthy man does not know the meaning of the word friendship.
works
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No; human nature is a sort of fetish which is credited with a great many amiable qualities it never possesses, and though there are exceptions to the general rule, Balzac’s aphorism on mankind that ‘Nature works by self-interest,’ still holds good today.
year
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Pshaw! anyone can preach thus from an altitude of a few thousands a year, but let these same self-complacent kind-hearted gentlemen descend in the social scale--let them look twice at a penny before spending it--let them face persistent landladies, exorbitant landlords, or the bitter poverty of the streets, and they will not talk so glibly of human nature and its inherent kindness.
