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Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes
Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes is here in full — 146 sentences across 30 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/29 · 5 lines
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_From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.
Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?
The more one considers this prodigious versatility of form, the more overwhelming it appears.
To begin with, each nation has its own distinct and characteristic type, separating it from other races of men.
Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes is here in full — 146 sentences across 30 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/29 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
_From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.
/frʌm ðə set ʌv eɪt ˈvɑːljuːmz ʌv ˈseləbreɪtɪd kraɪmz wiː ɑːr səmˈtaɪmz əˈstɑːnɪʃt æt ðə ˈstraɪkɪŋ rɪˈzembləns ɪɡˈzɪstɪŋ bɪˈtwiːn tuː ˈpɜːrsənz huː ɑːr ˈæbsəluːt ˈstreɪndʒərz tuː iːtʃ ˈʌðər bʌt ɪn fækt ɪt ɪz ðə ˈɑːpəzət wɪtʃ ɔːt tuː sərˈpraɪz ʌs/
Line 2
Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?
/ˌɪnˈdiːd waɪ ʃʊd wiː nɑːt ˈræðər ædˈmaɪr ə kriˈeɪtɪv ˈpaʊər soʊ ˈɪnfənət ɪn ɪts vərˈaɪəti ðæt ɪt ˈnevər ˈsiːsɪz tuː prəˈduːs ɪnˈtaɪərli ˈdɪfərənt ˌkɑːmbəˈneɪʃənz wɪð prɪˈsaɪsli ðə seɪm ˈeləmənts/
Line 3
The more one considers this prodigious versatility of form, the more overwhelming it appears.
/ðə mɔːr wʌn kənˈsɪdərz ðɪs prəˈdɪdʒəs ˌvɜːrsəˈtɪləti ʌv fɔːrm ðə mɔːr ˌoʊvərˈwelmɪŋ ɪt əˈpɪrz/
Line 4
To begin with, each nation has its own distinct and characteristic type, separating it from other races of men.
/tuː bɪˈɡɪn wɪð iːtʃ ˈneɪʃən hæz ɪts oʊn dɪˈstɪŋkt ənd ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪk taɪp ˈsepəreɪtɪŋ ɪt frʌm ˈʌðər ˈreɪsəz ʌv men/
Line 5
Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

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.

ceases noun US /ˈsiːsɪz/

plural of “cease” — (“cease” is a noun only in the phrase “without cease”) end

From this reading “Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?”

combinations noun US /ˌkɑːmbəˈneɪʃənz/

plural of “combination” — a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities

From this reading “Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?”

considers verb US /kənˈsɪdərz/

third-person singular of “consider” — deem to be

From this reading “The more one considers this prodigious versatility of form, the more overwhelming it appears.”

Creative adjective US /kriˈeɪtɪv/

having the ability or power to create

From this reading “Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?”

differing verb US /ˈdɪfərɪŋ/

-ing form of “differ” — be different

From this reading “Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.”

gradations noun US /ɡreɪˈdeɪʃənz/

plural of “gradation” — relative position in a graded series

From this reading “Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.”

separating verb US /ˈsepəreɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “separate” — act as a barrier between; stand between

From this reading “To begin with, each nation has its own distinct and characteristic type, separating it from other races of men.”

versatility noun US /ˌvɜːrsəˈtɪləti/

having a wide variety of skills

From this reading “The more one considers this prodigious versatility of form, the more overwhelming it appears.”

All words in this reading · 103

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.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

absoluteadjectiveUS /ˈæbsəluːt/

perfect or complete or pure

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

admireverbUS /ædˈmaɪr/

feel admiration for

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

againadverbUS /əˈɡen/

anew

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading To begin with, each nation has its own distinct and characteristic type, separating it from other races of men.

appearsverbUS /əˈpɪrz/

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

From this reading The more one considers this prodigious versatility of form, the more overwhelming it appears.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

astonishedadjectiveUS /əˈstɑːnɪʃt/

filled with the emotional impact of overwhelming surprise or shock

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

beginverbUS /bɪˈɡɪn/

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading To begin with, each nation has its own distinct and characteristic type, separating it from other races of men.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

ceasesnounUS /ˈsiːsɪz/

plural of “cease” — (“cease” is a noun only in the phrase “without cease”) end

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

CelebratedadjectiveUS /ˈseləbreɪtɪd/

widely known and esteemed

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

characteristicnounUS /ˌkerəktərˈɪstɪk/

a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading To begin with, each nation has its own distinct and characteristic type, separating it from other races of men.

combinationsnounUS /ˌkɑːmbəˈneɪʃənz/

plural of “combination” — a collection of things that have been combined; an assemblage of separate parts or qualities

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

considersverbUS /kənˈsɪdərz/

third-person singular of “consider” — deem to be

From this reading The more one considers this prodigious versatility of form, the more overwhelming it appears.

CreativeadjectiveUS /kriˈeɪtɪv/

having the ability or power to create

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

CrimesnounUS /kraɪmz/

plural of “crime” — (criminal law) an act punishable by law; usually considered an evil act

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

differingverbUS /ˈdɪfərɪŋ/

-ing form of “differ” — be different

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

distinctadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋkt/

(often followed by “from”) not alike; different in nature or quality

From this reading To begin with, each nation has its own distinct and characteristic type, separating it from other races of men.

distinguishedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋɡwɪʃt/

(used of persons) standing above others in character or attainment or reputation

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

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

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

EightadjectiveUS /eɪt/

being one more than seven

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

elementsnounUS /ˈeləmənts/

violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

EnglishnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/

an Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the commonwealth countries

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

entirelyadverbUS /ɪnˈtaɪərli/

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

existingadjectiveUS /ɪɡˈzɪstɪŋ/

presently existing

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

familiesnounUS /ˈfæməliz/

plural of “family” — a social unit living together

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

familynounUS /ˈfæməli/

a social unit living together

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

featuresnounUS /ˈfiːtʃərz/

plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

findverbUS /faɪnd/

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

formnounUS /fɔːrm/

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading The more one considers this prodigious versatility of form, the more overwhelming it appears.

FromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

generaladjectiveUS /ˈdʒenərəl/

applying to all or most members of a category or group

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

GermannounUS /ˈdʒɜːrmən/

a person of German nationality

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

gradationsnounUS /ɡreɪˈdeɪʃənz/

plural of “gradation” — relative position in a graded series

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading To begin with, each nation has its own distinct and characteristic type, separating it from other races of men.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

IndeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

individualsnounUS /ˌɪndəˈvɪdʒəwəlz/

plural of “individual” — a human being

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

infiniteadjectiveUS /ˈɪnfənət/

having no limits or boundaries in time or space or extent or magnitude

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

lastlyadverbUS /ˈlæstli/

the item at the end

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

lessadverbUS /les/

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

markedadjectiveUS /mɑːrkt/

strongly marked; easily noticeable

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading To begin with, each nation has its own distinct and characteristic type, separating it from other races of men.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The more one considers this prodigious versatility of form, the more overwhelming it appears.

nationnounUS /ˈneɪʃən/

a politically organized body of people under a single government

From this reading To begin with, each nation has its own distinct and characteristic type, separating it from other races of men.

neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The more one considers this prodigious versatility of form, the more overwhelming it appears.

oppositeadjectiveUS /ˈɑːpəzət/

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

oughtmodal verbUS /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

overwhelmingadjectiveUS /ˌoʊvərˈwelmɪŋ/

so strong as to be irresistible

From this reading The more one considers this prodigious versatility of form, the more overwhelming it appears.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading To begin with, each nation has its own distinct and characteristic type, separating it from other races of men.

personsnounUS /ˈpɜːrsənz/

plural of “person” — a human being

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

PowernounUS /ˈpaʊər/

possession of controlling influence

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

preciselyadverbUS /prɪˈsaɪsli/

indicating exactness or preciseness

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

prodigiousadjectiveUS /prəˈdɪdʒəs/

so great in size or force or extent as to elicit awe

From this reading The more one considers this prodigious versatility of form, the more overwhelming it appears.

produceverbUS /prəˈduːs/

bring forth or yield

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

racesnounUS /ˈreɪsəz/

plural of “race” — any competition

From this reading To begin with, each nation has its own distinct and characteristic type, separating it from other races of men.

ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/

on the contrary

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

resemblancenounUS /rɪˈzembləns/

similarity in appearance or external or superficial details

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

separatingverbUS /ˈsepəreɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “separate” — act as a barrier between; stand between

From this reading To begin with, each nation has its own distinct and characteristic type, separating it from other races of men.

setverbUS /set/

put into a certain place or abstract location

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

Slavonicnoun

a branch of the Indo-European family of languages

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

sometimesadverbUS /səmˈtaɪmz/

on certain occasions or in certain cases but not always

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

SpanishnounUS /ˈspænɪʃ/

the Romance language spoken in most of Spain and the countries colonized by Spain

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

strangersnounUS /ˈstreɪndʒərz/

plural of “stranger” — anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

strikingadjectiveUS /ˈstraɪkɪŋ/

sensational in appearance or thrilling in effect

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

surprisenounUS /sərˈpraɪz/

the astonishment you feel when something totally unexpected happens to you

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading The more one considers this prodigious versatility of form, the more overwhelming it appears.

ThusadverbUS /ðʌs/

(used to introduce a logical conclusion) from that fact or reason or as a result

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

typenounUS /taɪp/

a subdivision of a particular kind of thing

From this reading To begin with, each nation has its own distinct and characteristic type, separating it from other races of men.

typesnounUS /taɪps/

plural of “type” — a subdivision of a particular kind of thing

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

varietynounUS /vərˈaɪəti/

a collection containing a variety of sorts of things

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

versatilitynounUS /ˌvɜːrsəˈtɪləti/

having a wide variety of skills

From this reading The more one considers this prodigious versatility of form, the more overwhelming it appears.

VolumesnounUS /ˈvɑːljuːmz/

plural of “volume” — the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

WepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

well-pronounced

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

From this reading Thus there are the English, Spanish, German, or Slavonic types; again, in each nation we find families distinguished from each other by less general but still well-pronounced features; and lastly, the individuals of each family, differing again in more or less marked gradations.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading _From the set of Eight Volumes of "Celebrated Crimes"_ We are sometimes astonished at the striking resemblance existing between two persons who are absolute strangers to each other, but in fact it is the opposite which ought to surprise us.

whynounUS /waɪ/

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Indeed, why should we not rather admire a Creative Power so infinite in its variety that it never ceases to produce entirely different combinations with precisely the same elements?

Chapter 1 of Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes by Alexandre Dumas holds 146 sentences, grouped into 30 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, 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 1 of Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes contain?

Chapter 1 holds 146 sentences of Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes, unabridged, divided into 30 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes by Alexandre Dumas exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 146 sentences, grouped into 30 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 1 of Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes?

Work through the 30 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 30 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 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 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 Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes

Common questions about reading Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes by Alexandre Dumas on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes?

Yes. All 776 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #2752 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #2752, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes take to read?

About 64 minutes of reading across 156 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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Vocabulary met early in Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes

Words and structures a reader meets early in Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Eight
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Volumes
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Celebrated
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Crimes
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Martin Guerre Celebrated Crimes; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.