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Polite Conversation in Three Dialogues
Polite Conversation in Three Dialogues

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Polite Conversation in Three Dialogues is here in full — 466 sentences across 94 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Polite Conversation in Three Dialogues
Context Illustration Reading 1/93 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.
That account is in its way not much less of a classic than the immortal original itself, and it is purely delightful.
But it neither deals nor pretends to deal with the whole of the subject.
Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.
The “Conversation” appeared very late in Swift’s life, and he himself derived no pecuniary benefit from it.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Polite Conversation in Three Dialogues

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Polite Conversation in Three Dialogues is here in full — 466 sentences across 94 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/93 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.
Line 2
That account is in its way not much less of a classic than the immortal original itself, and it is purely delightful.
/ðæt əˈkaʊnt ɪz ɪn ɪts weɪ nɑːt mʌtʃ les ʌv ə ˈklæsɪk ðæn ðə ɪˈmɔːr.t̬əl ərˈɪdʒənəl ˌɪtˈself ənd ɪt ɪz ˈpjʊrli dɪˈlaɪtfəl/
Line 3
But it neither deals nor pretends to deal with the whole of the subject.
/bʌt ɪt ˈniːðər diːlz nɔːr priˈtendz tuː diːl wɪð ðə hoʊl ʌv ðə səbˈdʒekt/
Line 4
Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.
Line 5
The “Conversation” appeared very late in Swift’s life, and he himself derived no pecuniary benefit from it.
/ðə ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən əˈpɪrd ˈveri leɪt ɪn swɪfts laɪf ənd hiː hɪmˈself dərˈaɪvd noʊ peˈkjuːnieri ˈbenəfɪt frʌm ɪt/

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.

deals noun US /diːlz/

plural of “deal” — a particular instance of buying or selling

From this reading “But it neither deals nor pretends to deal with the whole of the subject.”

Handmade adjective US /ˈhændˈmeɪd/

made by hand or a hand process

From this reading “⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.”

illustrating verb US /ˈɪləstreɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “illustrate” — clarify by giving an example of

From this reading “⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.”

one-sided adjective US /ˌwʌnˈsaɪdəd/

not reversible or capable of having either side out

From this reading “Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.”

pecuniary adjective US /peˈkjuːnieri/

relating to or involving money

From this reading “The “Conversation” appeared very late in Swift’s life, and he himself derived no pecuniary benefit from it.”

pretends noun US /priˈtendz/

plural of “pretend” — the enactment of a pretense

From this reading “But it neither deals nor pretends to deal with the whole of the subject.”

Swift's noun US /swɪfts/

possessive form of “swift” — United States meat-packer who began the use of refrigerated railroad cars (1839-1903)

Thackeray noun US /ˈθækəri/

English writer (born in India) (1811-1863)

From this reading “⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

Five Hundred noun + noun

the cardinal number that is the product of one hundred and five

In this reading “⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.”

Polite Conversation adjective + noun

In this reading “⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.”

some ways adjective + noun

In this reading “⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.”

deal with verb + particle

In this reading “But it neither deals nor pretends to deal with the whole of the subject.”

with the view preposition + article + noun counted as “with … view”

In this reading “Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.”

All words in this reading · 101

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.

1

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

438

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

450

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

50

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

500

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

51

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

accountnounUS /əˈkaʊnt/

a record or narrative description of past events

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

altogetheradverbUS /ˌɔːltəˈɡeðər/

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

From this reading Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading That account is in its way not much less of a classic than the immortal original itself, and it is purely delightful.

appearedverbUS /əˈpɪrd/

past form of “appear” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading The “Conversation” appeared very late in Swift’s life, and he himself derived no pecuniary benefit from it.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

benefitnounUS /ˈbenəfɪt/

financial assistance in time of need

From this reading The “Conversation” appeared very late in Swift’s life, and he himself derived no pecuniary benefit from it.

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 ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But it neither deals nor pretends to deal with the whole of the subject.

characternounUS /ˈkerɪktər/

an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.

classicnounUS /ˈklæsɪk/

a creation of the highest excellence

From this reading That account is in its way not much less of a classic than the immortal original itself, and it is purely delightful.

ConversationnounUS /ˌkɑːnvərˈseɪʃən/

the use of speech for informal exchange of views or ideas or information etc.

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

copiesnounUS /ˈkɑːpiz/

plural of “copy” — a reproduction of a written record (e.g. of a legal or school record)

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

dealverbUS /diːl/

act on verbally or in some form of artistic expression

From this reading But it neither deals nor pretends to deal with the whole of the subject.

dealsnounUS /diːlz/

plural of “deal” — a particular instance of buying or selling

From this reading But it neither deals nor pretends to deal with the whole of the subject.

delightfuladjectiveUS /dɪˈlaɪtfəl/

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading That account is in its way not much less of a classic than the immortal original itself, and it is purely delightful.

derivedadjectiveUS /dərˈaɪvd/

formed or developed from something else; not original

From this reading The “Conversation” appeared very late in Swift’s life, and he himself derived no pecuniary benefit from it.

doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/

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

From this reading Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.

EditionnounUS /əˈdɪʃən/

the form in which a text (especially a printed book) is published

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

EnglishnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlɪʃ/

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

FivenounUS /faɪv/

the cardinal number that is the sum of four and one

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The “Conversation” appeared very late in Swift’s life, and he himself derived no pecuniary benefit from it.

givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

givesnounUS /ɡɪvz/

plural of “give” — the elasticity of something that can be stretched and returns to its original length

From this reading Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.

HandmadeadjectiveUS /ˈhændˈmeɪd/

made by hand or a hand process

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading The “Conversation” appeared very late in Swift’s life, and he himself derived no pecuniary benefit from it.

headnounUS /hed/

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading The “Conversation” appeared very late in Swift’s life, and he himself derived no pecuniary benefit from it.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

Humourists

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

HundrednounUS /ˈhʌndrəd/

ten 10s

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

ideanounUS /aɪˈdiːə/

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

From this reading Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.

illustratingverbUS /ˈɪləstreɪtɪŋ/

-ing form of “illustrate” — clarify by giving an example of

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

immortaladjUS /ɪˈmɔːr.t̬əl/

Living forever; never dying or decaying. (Bất tử, trường tồn vĩnh cửu.)

From this reading That account is in its way not much less of a classic than the immortal original itself, and it is purely delightful.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

IndeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.

introductionnounUS /ˌɪntrəˈdʌkʃən/

the act of beginning something new

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading That account is in its way not much less of a classic than the immortal original itself, and it is purely delightful.

itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/

used when the thing doing the action is also its object

From this reading That account is in its way not much less of a classic than the immortal original itself, and it is purely delightful.

JapanesenounUS /ˌdʒæpəˈniːz/

a native or inhabitant of Japan

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

lateadjectiveUS /leɪt/

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading The “Conversation” appeared very late in Swift’s life, and he himself derived no pecuniary benefit from it.

lessadverbUS /les/

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading That account is in its way not much less of a classic than the immortal original itself, and it is purely delightful.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading The “Conversation” appeared very late in Swift’s life, and he himself derived no pecuniary benefit from it.

limitedadjectiveUS /ˈlɪmətəd/

small in range or scope

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

MrnounUS /ˈmɪstər/

a form of address for a man

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading That account is in its way not much less of a classic than the immortal original itself, and it is purely delightful.

neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/

not one and not the other of two

From this reading But it neither deals nor pretends to deal with the whole of the subject.

NodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading But it neither deals nor pretends to deal with the whole of the subject.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

numberedverbUS /ˈnʌmbərd/

past form of “number” — add up in number or quantity

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

one-sidedadjectiveUS /ˌwʌnˈsaɪdəd/

not reversible or capable of having either side out

From this reading Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.

originaladjectiveUS /ərˈɪdʒənəl/

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading That account is in its way not much less of a classic than the immortal original itself, and it is purely delightful.

papernounUS /ˈpeɪpər/

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

pecuniaryadjectiveUS /peˈkjuːnieri/

relating to or involving money

From this reading The “Conversation” appeared very late in Swift’s life, and he himself derived no pecuniary benefit from it.

periodnounUS /ˈpɪriəd/

an amount of time

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

PoliteadjectiveUS /pəˈlaɪt/

showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior, etc.

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

pretendsnounUS /priˈtendz/

plural of “pretend” — the enactment of a pretense

From this reading But it neither deals nor pretends to deal with the whole of the subject.

purelyadverbUS /ˈpjʊrli/

restricted to something

From this reading That account is in its way not much less of a classic than the immortal original itself, and it is purely delightful.

societynounUS /səˈsaɪəti/

an extended social group having a distinctive cultural and economic organization

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

squareverbUS /skwer/

make square

From this reading Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.

SteelenounUS /stiːl/

English writer (1672-1729)

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

subjectnounUS /səbˈdʒekt/

the subject matter of a conversation or discussion

From this reading But it neither deals nor pretends to deal with the whole of the subject.

suitedadjectiveUS /ˈsuːtɪd/

meant or adapted for an occasion or use

From this reading Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.

SwiftadjectiveUS /swɪft/

moving very fast

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

Swift'snounUS /swɪfts/

possessive form of “swift” — United States meat-packer who began the use of refrigerated railroad cars (1839-1903)

From this reading Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.

takeverbUS /teɪk/

carry out

From this reading Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.

ThackeraynounUS /ˈθækəri/

English writer (born in India) (1811-1863)

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

ThatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading That account is in its way not much less of a classic than the immortal original itself, and it is purely delightful.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

trueadjectiveUS /truː/

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

Vellumnoun

a heavy creamy-colored paper resembling parchment

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading The “Conversation” appeared very late in Swift’s life, and he himself derived no pecuniary benefit from it.

viewnounUS /vjuː/

a way of regarding situations or topics etc.

From this reading Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.

viz

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading That account is in its way not much less of a classic than the immortal original itself, and it is purely delightful.

waysnounUS /weɪz/

structure consisting of a sloping way down to the water from the place where ships are built or repaired

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

welladverbUS /wel/

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Indeed, the idea of Swift’s character which the “Conversation” gives does not square altogether well with the view—true, but one-sided—which it suited Mr. Thackeray to take of Swift.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading ⁂ _This Edition is limited to Five Hundred copies, viz.:_ _50 on Japanese Vellum, numbered 1 to 50._ _450 on Handmade paper, numbered 51 to 500._ _This is No. 438._ In some ways nothing could be a better introduction to the “Polite Conversation” than the account of it which Mr. Thackeray has given in his “English Humourists” (though under the head of Steele, not Swift), as illustrating the society of the period.

wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/

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

From this reading But it neither deals nor pretends to deal with the whole of the subject.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading But it neither deals nor pretends to deal with the whole of the subject.

Chapter 1 of Polite Conversation in Three Dialogues by Jonathan Swift holds 466 sentences, grouped into 94 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 1 of Polite Conversation in Three Dialogues contain?

Chapter 1 holds 466 sentences of Polite Conversation in Three Dialogues, unabridged, divided into 94 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Polite Conversation in Three Dialogues by Jonathan Swift exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 466 sentences, grouped into 94 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.

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Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 can be played aloud in United States English.

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Yes. All 2300 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #60186 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

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Project Gutenberg eBook #60186, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

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About 191 minutes of reading across 460 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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Limited
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