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My Life
My Life

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of My Life is here in full — 251 sentences across 51 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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_In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.
But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?
My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.
The nose was adapted to the consumption of snuff, and the temper was effective in the destruction of my happiness and peace of mind.
The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

My Life

Chapter II · Chapter 2

Chapter 2 of My Life is here in full — 251 sentences across 51 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/50 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
_In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.
Line 2
But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?
Line 3
My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.
Line 4
The nose was adapted to the consumption of snuff, and the temper was effective in the destruction of my happiness and peace of mind.
/ðə noʊz wɑːz əˈdæptɪd tuː ðə kənˈsʌmpʃən ʌv snʌf ənd ðə ˈtempər wɑːz ɪˈfektɪv ɪn ðə dɪˈstrʌkʃən ʌv maɪ ˈhæpinəs ənd piːs ʌv maɪnd/
Line 5
The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

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.

abstinence noun US /ˈæbstənəns/

the trait of abstaining (especially from alcohol)

From this reading “The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.”

adapt verb US /əˈdæpt/

make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose

From this reading “_In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.”

almanac noun US /ˈɑːlmənæk/

an annual publication including weather forecasts and other miscellaneous information arranged according to the calendar of a given year

From this reading “But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?”

attains verb US /əˈteɪnz/

third-person singular of “attain” — to gain with effort

From this reading “But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?”

gourmand noun US /ˈɡʊrmɑːnd/

a person who is devoted to eating and drinking to excess

objectionable adjective US /əbˈdʒekʃənəbəl/

causing disapproval or protest

From this reading “My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.”

styled verb US /staɪld/

past form of “style” — designate by an identifying term

From this reading “But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?”

toddle verb US /ˈtɑːdəl/

walk unsteadily

From this reading “_In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.”

All words in this reading · 175

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 _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

abstinencenounUS /ˈæbstənəns/

the trait of abstaining (especially from alcohol)

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

AcquireverbUS /əˈkwaɪər/

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

actuatedadjective

moved to action

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

adaptverbUS /əˈdæpt/

make fit for, or change to suit a new purpose

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

adaptedadjectiveUS /əˈdæptɪd/

changed in order to improve or made more fit for a particular purpose

From this reading The nose was adapted to the consumption of snuff, and the temper was effective in the destruction of my happiness and peace of mind.

agoadverbUS /əˈɡoʊ/

in the past

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

almanacnounUS /ˈɑːlmənæk/

an annual publication including weather forecasts and other miscellaneous information arranged according to the calendar of a given year

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

approbationnounUS /ˌæprəˈbeɪʃən/

official approval

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

attachedadjectiveUS /əˈtætʃt/

being joined in close association

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

attainsverbUS /əˈteɪnz/

third-person singular of “attain” — to gain with effort

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

AugustnounUS /ˈɑːɡəst/

the month following July and preceding September

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

auntnounUS /ænt/

the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

becomeverbUS /bɪˈkʌm/

enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

beginverbUS /bɪˈɡɪn/

take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

bestnounUS /best/

the supreme effort one can make

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/

(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

birth-day

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

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

bodilyadverbUS /ˈbɑːdəli/

in bodily form

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

bornadjectiveUS /bɔːrn/

brought into existence

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

carenounUS /ker/

the work of providing treatment for or attending to someone or something

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

certainlyadverbUS /ˈsɜːrtənli/

definitely or positively (“sure” is sometimes used informally for “surely”)

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

circumstancesnounUS /ˈsɜːrkəmstænsəz/

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

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

citynounUS /ˈsɪti/

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

classesnounUS /ˈklæsəz/

plural of “class” — a collection of things sharing a common attribute

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

comfortnounUS /ˈkʌmfərt/

a state of being relaxed and feeling no pain

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

comicadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːmɪk/

arousing or provoking laughter

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

consumptionnounUS /kənˈsʌmpʃən/

the process of taking food into the body through the mouth (as by eating)

From this reading The nose was adapted to the consumption of snuff, and the temper was effective in the destruction of my happiness and peace of mind.

couplenounUS /ˈkʌpəl/

a pair who associate with one another

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

creditnounUS /ˈkredət/

approval

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

degreesnounUS /dɪˈɡriːz/

plural of “degree” — a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

destinedadjectiveUS /ˈdestɪnd/

headed or intending to head in a certain direction; often used as a combining form as in “college-bound students”

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

destructionnounUS /dɪˈstrʌkʃən/

the termination of something by causing so much damage to it that it cannot be repaired or no longer exists

From this reading The nose was adapted to the consumption of snuff, and the temper was effective in the destruction of my happiness and peace of mind.

diedverbUS /daɪd/

past form of “die” — pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

dollarsnounUS /ˈdɑːlərz/

plural of “dollar” — the basic monetary unit in many countries; equal to 100 cents

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

earlyadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrli/

at or near the beginning of a period of time or course of events or before the usual or expected time

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

effectiveadjectiveUS /ɪˈfektɪv/

producing or capable of producing an intended result or having a striking effect

From this reading The nose was adapted to the consumption of snuff, and the temper was effective in the destruction of my happiness and peace of mind.

eightadjectiveUS /eɪt/

being one more than seven

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

existencenounUS /eɡˈzɪstəns/

the state or fact of existing

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

eyenounUS /aɪ/

the organ of sight

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

faradverbUS /fɑːr/

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

fatenounUS /feɪt/

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

futureadjectiveUS /ˈfjuːtʃər/

yet to be or coming

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

gourmandnounUS /ˈɡʊrmɑːnd/

a person who is devoted to eating and drinking to excess

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

happinessnounUS /ˈhæpinəs/

state of well-being characterized by emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy

From this reading The nose was adapted to the consumption of snuff, and the temper was effective in the destruction of my happiness and peace of mind.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

hereadverbUS /hiːr/

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

hintnounUS /hɪnt/

an indirect suggestion

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

hundrednounUS /ˈhʌndrəd/

ten 10s

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

inconsideratelyadverb

without consideration; in an inconsiderate manner

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

individualadjectiveUS /ˌɪndəˈvɪdʒəwəl/

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

insertedverbUS /ˌɪnˈsɜːrtəd/

past form of “insert” — put or introduce into something

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

knowverbUS /noʊ/

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

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

KnowledgenounUS /ˈnɑːlədʒ/

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

leavingnounUS /ˈliːvɪŋ/

the act of departing

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

LordnounUS /lɔːrd/

terms referring to the Judeo-Christian God

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

luxurynounUS /ˈlʌɡʒəri/

something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

mannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

mattersnounUS /ˈmætərz/

plural of “matter” — a vaguely specified concern

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

mepronounUS /miː/

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

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

melancholynounUS /ˈmelənkɑːli/

a feeling of thoughtful sadness

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

merelyadverbUS /ˈmɪrli/

and nothing more

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading The nose was adapted to the consumption of snuff, and the temper was effective in the destruction of my happiness and peace of mind.

motivesnounUS /ˈmoʊtɪvz/

plural of “motive” — the psychological feature that arouses an organism to action toward a desired goal; the reason for the action; that which gives purpose and direction to behavior

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

MydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

NewadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

nextadjectiveUS /nekst/

immediately following in time or order

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

nosenounUS /noʊz/

the organ of smell and entrance to the respiratory tract; the prominent part of the face of man or other mammals

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

objectionableadjectiveUS /əbˈdʒekʃənəbəl/

causing disapproval or protest

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

others

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

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

parentsnounUS /ˈperənts/

plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

peacenounUS /piːs/

the state prevailing during the absence of war

From this reading The nose was adapted to the consumption of snuff, and the temper was effective in the destruction of my happiness and peace of mind.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

periodnounUS /ˈpɪriəd/

an amount of time

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

pleaseverbUS /pliːz/

give pleasure to or be pleasing to

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

possibleadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːsəbəl/

capable of happening or existing

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

poundsnounUS /paʊndz/

plural of “pound” — 16 ounces avoirdupois

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

preventverbUS /prɪˈvent/

keep from happening or arising; make impossible

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

propheticadjectiveUS /prəˈfetɪk/

foretelling events as if by supernatural intervention

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

proprietressnoun

a woman proprietor

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

providedverbUS /prəˈvaɪdɪd/

past form of “provide” — give something useful or necessary to

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

readersnounUS /ˈriːdərz/

plural of “reader” — a person who enjoys reading

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

respectableadjectiveUS /rɪˈspektəbəl/

characterized by socially or conventionally acceptable morals

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

sawverbUS /sɔː/

cut with a saw

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

shrewishadjective

continually complaining or faultfinding

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

slowadjectiveUS /sloʊ/

not moving quickly; taking a comparatively long time

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

snuffnounUS /snʌf/

the charred portion of a candlewick

From this reading The nose was adapted to the consumption of snuff, and the temper was effective in the destruction of my happiness and peace of mind.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

somewhatadverbUS /ˈsʌmˈwʌt/

to a small degree or extent

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

starveverbUS /stɑːrv/

be hungry; go without food

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

statenounUS /steɪt/

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

strangernounUS /ˈstreɪndʒər/

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

struggledverbUS /ˈstrʌɡəld/

past form of “struggle” — make a strenuous or labored effort

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

styledverbUS /staɪld/

past form of “style” — designate by an identifying term

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

sufficientadjectiveUS /səˈfɪʃənt/

of a quantity that can fulfill a need or requirement but without being abundant

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

sureadjectiveUS /ʃʊr/

having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

surroundedadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪd/

confined on all sides

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

teachverbUS /tiːtʃ/

impart skills or knowledge to

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

tempernounUS /ˈtempər/

a sudden outburst of anger

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/

for that reason; as a result

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

thickheadedadjective

(used informally) stupid

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

thinkverbUS /θɪŋk/

judge or regard; look upon; judge

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

thirtynounUS /ˈθɜːrdiː/

the cardinal number that is the product of ten and three

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

thousandnounUS /ˈθaʊzənd/

the cardinal number that is the product of 10 and 100

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

throughprepositionUS /θruː/

from one end or side of something to the other

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

toddleverbUS /ˈtɑːdəl/

walk unsteadily

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

twenty-eighthadjective

coming next after the twenty-seventh in position

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

twenty-threenounUS /ˈtwentiθriː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of twenty-two and one

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

twonounUS /tuː/

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

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

unclenounUS /ˈʌŋkəl/

the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

unlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/

except if; if not

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

weightnounUS /weɪt/

the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading My parents were certainly respectable people, but they both inconsiderately died at a very early period of my life, leaving me a few hundred dollars and a thickheaded uncle, to whom was attached an objectionable aunt, the proprietress of a long nose and a shrewish temper.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

wishesnounUS /ˈwɪʃɪz/

plural of “wish” — a specific feeling of desire

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

WorldnounUS /wɜːrld/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading _In which I begin to Acquire a Knowledge of the World._ I have always thought, and still think, that it matters very little where or when a man is born--it is sufficient for him to know that he is _here_, and that he had better adapt himself, as far as possible, to the circumstances by which he is surrounded, provided that he wishes to toddle through the world with comfort and credit to himself and to the approbation of others.

worthyadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːr.ði/

Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.

From this reading The worthy couple, with a prophetic eye, saw that I was destined to become, in future years, somewhat of a _gourmand_, unless care should be taken to prevent such a melancholy fate; therefore, actuated by the best motives, and in order to teach me the luxury of abstinence, they began by slow but sure degrees to starve me.

yearnounUS /jɪr/

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

YorknounUS /jɔːrk/

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading But still, in order to please all classes of readers, I will state that some thirty years ago a young stranger struggled into existence in the city of New York; and I will just merely hint that the twenty-eighth day of August, in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty-three, should be inserted in the next (comic) almanac as having been the birth-day of a great man--for when an individual attains a bodily weight of two hundred pounds and over, may he not be styled _great_?

Chapter 2 of My Life by George Thompson holds 251 sentences, grouped into 51 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 2 of My Life contain?

Chapter 2 holds 251 sentences of My Life, unabridged, divided into 51 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 2 of My Life by George Thompson exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 251 sentences, grouped into 51 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 2 of My Life?

Work through the 51 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 51 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 2 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 2 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 My Life

Common questions about reading My Life by George Thompson on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of My Life?

Yes. All 1628 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #28635 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of My Life is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #28635, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does My Life take to read?

About 135 minutes of reading across 326 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read My Life section by section

How to work through My Life section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 12 chapters of My Life to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in My Life

Words and structures a reader meets early in My Life, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Obvious
A word that appears in the opening chapter of My Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Typographical
A word that appears in the opening chapter of My Life; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Errors
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Corrected
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