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The Assignation
The Assignation

Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

Chapter 8 of The Assignation is here in full — 450 sentences across 90 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/90 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.
Lofty hills, rising occasionally into mountains, and covered with vegetation in wild luxuriance, still shut in the scene.
Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.
This gate is inserted in the lofty wall; which here appears to cross the river at right angles.
In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Assignation

Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

Chapter 8 of The Assignation is here in full — 450 sentences across 90 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/90 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.
/ðə boʊt ˌnevərðəˈles ɡlaɪdz ˈmædʒɪkəli ˈɪntuː ðə ˈwaɪndɪŋ ˈtʃænəl ənd hiːr ðə ʃɔːr ˈɑːpəzət ðə wɔːl ɪz faʊnd tuː rɪˈzembəl ðæt ˈɑːpəzət ðə wɔːl ɪn ðə streɪt ˈvɪstə/
Line 2
Lofty hills, rising occasionally into mountains, and covered with vegetation in wild luxuriance, still shut in the scene.
Line 3
Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.
Line 4
This gate is inserted in the lofty wall; which here appears to cross the river at right angles.
/ðɪs ɡeɪt ɪz ˌɪnˈsɜːrtəd ɪn ðə ˈlɔːfti wɔːl wɪtʃ hiːr əˈpɪrz tuː krɔːs ðə ˈrɪvər æt raɪt ˈæŋɡəlz/
Line 5
In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.
/ɪn ə fjuː ˈmoʊmənts ˌhaʊˈevər ɪt ɪz siːn ðæt ðə meɪn ˈbɑːdi ʌv ðə ˈwɔːtər stɪl swiːps ɪn ə ˈdʒentəl ənd ɪkˈstensɪv kɜːrv tuː ðə left ðə wɔːl ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ ɪt æz bɪˈfɔːr waɪl ə striːm ʌv kənˈsɪdərəbəl ˈvɑːljuːm daɪˈvɜːrdʒɪŋ frʌm ðə ˈprɪnsəpəl wʌn meɪks ɪts weɪ wɪð ə slaɪt ˈrɪpəl ˈʌndər ðə dɔːr ənd ɪz ðʌs ˈhɪdən frʌm saɪt/

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.

augmented adjective US /ɑːɡˈmentɪd/

added to or made greater in amount or number or strength

From this reading “Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.”

burnished adjective US /ˈbɜːrnɪʃt/

made smooth and bright by or as if by rubbing; reflecting a sheen or glow

From this reading “Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.”

diverging adjective US /daɪˈvɜːrdʒɪŋ/

tending to move apart in different directions

From this reading “In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.”

elaborately adverb US /ɪˈlæbrətli/

with elaboration

From this reading “Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.”

glides noun US /ɡlaɪdz/

plural of “glide” — a vowellike sound that serves as a consonant

From this reading “The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.”

magically adverb US /ˈmædʒɪkəli/

in a magical manner

From this reading “The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.”

velocity noun US /vəˈlɑːsəti/

distance travelled per unit time

From this reading “Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.”

voyager noun US /ˈvɔɪədʒər/

a traveler to a distant land (especially one who travels by sea)

From this reading “Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.”

All words in this reading · 120

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 Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

anglesnounUS /ˈæŋɡəlz/

plural of “angle” — the space between two lines or planes that intersect; the inclination of one line to another; measured in degrees or radians

From this reading This gate is inserted in the lofty wall; which here appears to cross the river at right angles.

apparentlyadverbUS /əˈperəntli/

from appearances alone

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

appearsverbUS /əˈpɪrz/

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

From this reading This gate is inserted in the lofty wall; which here appears to cross the river at right angles.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading This gate is inserted in the lofty wall; which here appears to cross the river at right angles.

augmentedadjectiveUS /ɑːɡˈmentɪd/

added to or made greater in amount or number or strength

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

barredadjectiveUS /bɑːrd/

preventing entry or exit or a course of action

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

boatnounUS /boʊt/

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

bodynounUS /ˈbɑːdi/

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

burnishedadjectiveUS /ˈbɜːrnɪʃt/

made smooth and bright by or as if by rubbing; reflecting a sheen or glow

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

carvedadjectiveUS /kɑːrvd/

made for or formed by carving (“carven” is archaic or literary)

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

channelnounUS /ˈtʃænəl/

a path over which electrical signals can pass

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

considerableadjectiveUS /kənˈsɪdərəbəl/

large or relatively large in number or amount or extent or degree

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

coveredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌvərd/

overlaid or spread or topped with or enclosed within something; sometimes used as a combining form

From this reading Lofty hills, rising occasionally into mountains, and covered with vegetation in wild luxuriance, still shut in the scene.

crossverbUS /krɔːs/

travel across or pass over

From this reading This gate is inserted in the lofty wall; which here appears to cross the river at right angles.

curvenounUS /kɜːrv/

the trace of a point whose direction of motion changes

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

directverbUS /dərˈekt/

command with authority

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

divergingadjectiveUS /daɪˈvɜːrdʒɪŋ/

tending to move apart in different directions

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

doornounUS /dɔːr/

a swinging or sliding barrier that will close the entrance to a room or building or vehicle

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

effulgencenoun

the quality of being bright and sending out rays of light

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

elaboratelyadverbUS /ɪˈlæbrətli/

with elaboration

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

extensiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈstensɪv/

large in spatial extent or range or scope or quantity

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

fast-sinking

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

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

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 In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

findsnounUS /faɪndz/

plural of “find” — a productive insight

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

flamesnounUS /fleɪmz/

plural of “flame” — the process of combustion of inflammable materials producing heat and light and (often) smoke

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

FloatingadjectiveUS /ˈfloʊtɪŋ/

borne up by or suspended in a liquid

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/

about to be mentioned or specified

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

forestnounUS /ˈfɔːrəst/

the trees and other plants in a large densely wooded area

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

frettedadjectiveUS /ˈfretɪd/

having frets

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

gatenounUS /ɡeɪt/

a movable barrier in a fence or wall

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

gentleadjectiveUS /ˈdʒentəl/

soft and mild; not harsh or stern or severe

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

gentlyadverbUS /ˈdʒentli/

in a gradual manner

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

giganticadjectiveUS /dʒaɪˈɡæntɪk/

so exceedingly large or extensive as to suggest a giant or mammoth

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

glidesnounUS /ɡlaɪdz/

plural of “glide” — a vowellike sound that serves as a consonant

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

goldnounUS /ɡoʊld/

coins made of gold

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

hereadverbUS /hiːr/

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

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

hiddenadjectiveUS /ˈhɪdən/

not accessible to view

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

hillsnounUS /hɪlz/

plural of “hill” — a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading Lofty hills, rising occasionally into mountains, and covered with vegetation in wild luxuriance, still shut in the scene.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

insertedverbUS /ˌɪnˈsɜːrtəd/

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

From this reading This gate is inserted in the lofty wall; which here appears to cross the river at right angles.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

leftnounUS /left/

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

LoftyadjectiveUS /ˈlɔːfti/

of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style

From this reading Lofty hills, rising occasionally into mountains, and covered with vegetation in wild luxuriance, still shut in the scene.

luxuriancenoun

the property of being lush and abundant and a pleasure to the senses

From this reading Lofty hills, rising occasionally into mountains, and covered with vegetation in wild luxuriance, still shut in the scene.

magicallyadverbUS /ˈmædʒɪkəli/

in a magical manner

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

mainadjectiveUS /meɪn/

most important element

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

makesnounUS /meɪks/

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

momentsnounUS /ˈmoʊmənts/

plural of “moment” — a particular point in time

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

mountainsnounUS /ˈmaʊntənz/

plural of “mountain” — a land mass that projects well above its surroundings; higher than a hill

From this reading Lofty hills, rising occasionally into mountains, and covered with vegetation in wild luxuriance, still shut in the scene.

neverthelessadverbUS /ˌnevərðəˈles/

in spite of what has just been said

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

occasionallyadverbUS /əˈkeɪʒənəli/

sporadically and infrequently

From this reading Lofty hills, rising occasionally into mountains, and covered with vegetation in wild luxuriance, still shut in the scene.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

onwardadverbUS /ˈɔːnwərd/

forward in time or order or degree

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

oppositeadjectiveUS /ˈɑːpəzət/

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

principalnounUS /ˈprɪnsəpəl/

the original amount of a debt on which interest is calculated

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

progressnounUS /ˈprɑːɡres/

gradual improvement or growth or development

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/

on the contrary

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

raysnounUS /reɪz/

plural of “ray” — a column of light (as from a beacon)

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

reflectingadjectiveUS /rɪˈflektɪŋ/

causing reflection or having a device that reflects

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

resembleverbUS /rɪˈzembəl/

appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

rightadverbUS /raɪt/

precisely, exactly

From this reading This gate is inserted in the lofty wall; which here appears to cross the river at right angles.

ripplenounUS /ˈrɪpəl/

a small wave on the surface of a liquid

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

risingadjectiveUS /ˈraɪzɪŋ/

advancing or becoming higher or greater in degree or value or status

From this reading Lofty hills, rising occasionally into mountains, and covered with vegetation in wild luxuriance, still shut in the scene.

rivernounUS /ˈrɪvər/

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading This gate is inserted in the lofty wall; which here appears to cross the river at right angles.

scenenounUS /siːn/

the place where some action occurs

From this reading Lofty hills, rising occasionally into mountains, and covered with vegetation in wild luxuriance, still shut in the scene.

seemsverbUS /siːmz/

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

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

seenverbUS /siːn/

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

shorenounUS /ʃɔːr/

the land along the edge of a body of water

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔːrt/

primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

shutverbUS /ʃʌt/

move so that an opening or passage is obstructed; make shut

From this reading Lofty hills, rising occasionally into mountains, and covered with vegetation in wild luxuriance, still shut in the scene.

sightnounUS /saɪt/

an instance of visual perception

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

slightnounUS /slaɪt/

a deliberate discourteous act (usually as an expression of anger or disapproval)

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

slightlyadverbUS /ˈslaɪtli/

to a small degree or extent

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading Lofty hills, rising occasionally into mountains, and covered with vegetation in wild luxuriance, still shut in the scene.

straightadjectiveUS /streɪt/

successive (without a break)

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

streamnounUS /striːm/

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

sunnounUS /sʌn/

the star that is the source of light and heat for the planets in the solar system

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

surroundingadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋ/

closely encircling

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

sweepsnounUS /swiːps/

plural of “sweep” — a wide scope

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This gate is inserted in the lofty wall; which here appears to cross the river at right angles.

thusadverbUS /ðʌs/

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

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

turnsnounUS /tɜːrnz/

plural of “turn” — a circular segment of a curve

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

vegetationnounUS /ˌvedʒəˈteɪʃən/

all the plant life in a particular region or period

From this reading Lofty hills, rising occasionally into mountains, and covered with vegetation in wild luxuriance, still shut in the scene.

velocitynounUS /vəˈlɑːsəti/

distance travelled per unit time

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

vistanounUS /ˈvɪstə/

the visual percept of a region

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

volumenounUS /ˈvɑːljuːm/

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

voyagernounUS /ˈvɔɪədʒər/

a traveler to a distant land (especially one who travels by sea)

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

wallnounUS /wɔːl/

an architectural partition with a height and length greater than its thickness; used to divide or enclose an area or to support another structure

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

waternounUS /ˈwɔːtər/

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading This gate is inserted in the lofty wall; which here appears to cross the river at right angles.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading In a few moments, however, it is seen that the main body of the water still sweeps in a gentle and extensive curve to the left, the wall following it as before, while a stream of considerable volume, diverging from the principal one, makes its way, with a slight ripple, under the door, and is thus hidden from sight.

wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/

including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

wildadjectiveUS /waɪld/

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading Lofty hills, rising occasionally into mountains, and covered with vegetation in wild luxuriance, still shut in the scene.

windingadjectiveUS /ˈwaɪndɪŋ/

marked by repeated turns and bends

From this reading The boat, nevertheless, glides magically into the winding channel; and here the shore opposite the wall is found to resemble that opposite the wall in the straight vista.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Lofty hills, rising occasionally into mountains, and covered with vegetation in wild luxuriance, still shut in the scene.

wreathnounUS /riːθ/

flower arrangement consisting of a circular band of foliage or flowers for ornamental purposes

From this reading Floating gently onward, but with a velocity slightly augmented, the voyager, after many short turns, finds his progress apparently barred by a gigantic gate or rather door of burnished gold, elaborately carved and fretted, and reflecting the direct rays of the now fast-sinking sun with an effulgence that seems to wreath the whole surrounding forest in flames.

Chapter 8 of The Assignation by Edgar Allan Poe holds 450 sentences, grouped into 90 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 8 of The Assignation contain?

Chapter 8 holds 450 sentences of The Assignation, unabridged, divided into 90 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 8 of The Assignation by Edgar Allan Poe exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 450 sentences, grouped into 90 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 8 of The Assignation?

Work through the 90 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 90 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.

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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.

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Vocabulary met early in The Assignation

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Assignation, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
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Chapter 2
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Chapter 3
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