Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Passages from the French and Italian Notebooks, Volume 1.
Passages from the French and Italian Notebooks, Volume 1.

Chapter IV

Cover illustration for Passages from the French and Italian Notebooks, Volume 1.
Context Illustration Reading 1/84 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.
There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.
It has faded frescos, and tarnished gilding, and green blinds, and a few damask chairs still remain in it.
On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.
There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Passages from the French and Italian Notebooks, Volume 1.

Chapter IV

Reading 1/84 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.
Line 2
There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.
Line 3
It has faded frescos, and tarnished gilding, and green blinds, and a few damask chairs still remain in it.
Line 4
On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.
Line 5
There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.”

Art auxiliary verb US /ɑːrt/

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading “There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.”

Has auxiliary verb US /hæz/

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

From this reading “There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.”

Merry noun US /merry/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.”

Moreover adverb US /mɔːˈroʊvər/

in addition to what has just been said

From this reading “The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.”

Party noun US /party/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It has faded frescos, and tarnished gilding, and green blinds, and a few damask chairs still remain in it.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.”

All words in this reading · 100

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

admissible

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

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

all

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

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

any

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

attempt

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

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

balcony

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

best

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

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

blinds

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

From this reading It has faded frescos, and tarnished gilding, and green blinds, and a few damask chairs still remain in it.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

carnivals

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

cellar

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

chairs

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

From this reading It has faded frescos, and tarnished gilding, and green blinds, and a few damask chairs still remain in it.

cheerful

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

chill

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

Corso

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

damask

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

From this reading It has faded frescos, and tarnished gilding, and green blinds, and a few damask chairs still remain in it.

days

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

down

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

enjoyed

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

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

faded

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

From this reading It has faded frescos, and tarnished gilding, and green blinds, and a few damask chairs still remain in it.

family

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

few

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

From this reading It has faded frescos, and tarnished gilding, and green blinds, and a few damask chairs still remain in it.

fifty

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

filled

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

frescos

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

From this reading It has faded frescos, and tarnished gilding, and green blinds, and a few damask chairs still remain in it.

furnished

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

gilding

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

From this reading It has faded frescos, and tarnished gilding, and green blinds, and a few damask chairs still remain in it.

giving

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

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

green

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

From this reading It has faded frescos, and tarnished gilding, and green blinds, and a few damask chairs still remain in it.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

hours

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

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

hundred

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

impression

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

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

looking

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

looks

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

masterpieces

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

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

merry

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

moments

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

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

Monday

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

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

moreoveradverbUS /mɔːˈroʊvər/

in addition to what has just been said

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

most

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

much

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

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

often

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

old

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

palace

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

partynounUS /party/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

past

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

place

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

probably

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

produced

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

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

public

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

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

really

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

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

remain

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

From this reading It has faded frescos, and tarnished gilding, and green blinds, and a few damask chairs still remain in it.

saw

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

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

scantily

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

sculpture

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

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

sculpture-gallery

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

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

see

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

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

shabbily

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

small

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It has faded frescos, and tarnished gilding, and green blinds, and a few damask chairs still remain in it.

tarnished

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

From this reading It has faded frescos, and tarnished gilding, and green blinds, and a few damask chairs still remain in it.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

There

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

things

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

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

three

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

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

two

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

vain

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

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

Vatican

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

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

very

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading On Monday we all went to the sculpture-gallery of the Vatican, and saw as much of the sculpture as we could in the three hours during which the public are admissible.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading There were a few things which I really enjoyed, and a few moments during which I really seemed to see them; but it is in vain to attempt giving the impression produced by masterpieces of art, and most in vain when we see them best.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading There is a small balcony, looking down on the Corso, which probably has often been filled with a merry little family party, in the carnivals of days long past.

years

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

From this reading The palace is about two hundred and fifty years old, and looks as if it had never been a very cheerful place; most shabbily and scantily furnished, moreover, and as chill as any cellar.