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Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast
Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast

Chapter IV

Chapter 4 of Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast is here in full — 69 sentences across 14 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast
Context Illustration Reading 1/13 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.
The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.
The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.
These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.
Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast

Chapter IV

Chapter 4 of Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast is here in full — 69 sentences across 14 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/13 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.
Line 2
The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.
/ðə ˈfɔːrmər wɑːz ə prəˈfesər ʌv ˈɔːlmoʊst ˈevriθɪŋ ɪn ðə ʃeɪp ʌv ˈeɪn.ʃənt ənd ˈmɑːdərn ɑːrt ˈlæŋɡwədʒəz ˈhɪstəri ənd ə lɑːt ʌv ˈʌðər θɪŋz kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ ɔːl ʌv wɪtʃ hiː roʊt ˈɑːrtəkəlz fɔːr ðə ˈpeɪpərz ˈɔːlweɪz ˈsaɪnɪŋ hɪz neɪm tuː ðem ɪn fʊl/
Line 3
The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.
/ðə ˈmɪsɪz ˈdɑːktər hæd lɜːrnd ðə ɑːrt ʌv ˈseɪɪŋ ˈlɪtəl ˈlʊkɪŋ waɪz ənd ˈʃeɪkɪŋ hɜːr hed æz ʃiː felt ðə pʌls ʌv hɜːr ˈpeɪʃənts/
Line 4
These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.
Line 5
Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

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.

Amos noun US /ˈeɪməs/

a Hebrew shepherd and minor prophet

From this reading “These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.”

congenial adjective US /kənˈdʒiːnjəl/

suitable to your needs

From this reading “Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.”

empress noun US /ˈempres/

a woman emperor or the wife of an emperor

From this reading “THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.”

loses verb US /ˈluːzəz/

third-person singular of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading “THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.”

millionaire noun US /ˌmɪljəˈner/

a person whose material wealth is valued at more than a million dollars

From this reading “Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.”

paintings noun US /ˈpeɪntɪŋz/

plural of “painting” — graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface

From this reading “These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.”

signing noun US /ˈsaɪnɪŋ/

language expressed by visible hand gestures

From this reading “The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.”

Todd noun US /tɑːd/

Scottish chemist noted for his research into the structure of nucleic acids (born in 1907)

From this reading “These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.”

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.

travelling companions noun + noun counted as “travelling companion”

In this reading “Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.”

conceived the idea verb + article + noun counted as “conceive … idea”

In this reading “Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.”

most suitable adverb + adjective

In this reading “Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.”

other things adjective + noun

In this reading “The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.”

felt the pulse verb + article + noun counted as “felt … pulse”

In this reading “The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.”

really valuable adverb + adjective

In this reading “These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.”

Golden City adjective + noun

In this reading “THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.”

come out verb + adjective

appear or become visible; make a showing

In this reading “THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.”

All words in this reading · 142

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 THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

acquaintancenounUS /əˈkweɪntəns/

personal knowledge or information about someone or something

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

advicenounUS /ædˈvaɪs/

a proposal for an appropriate course of action

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

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

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

almostadverbUS /ˈɔːlmoʊst/

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/

in addition

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

AmosnounUS /ˈeɪməs/

a Hebrew shepherd and minor prophet

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

amountnounUS /əˈmaʊnt/

a quantity of money

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

amusementnounUS /əˈmjuːzmənt/

a feeling of delight at being entertained

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

ancientadjectiveUS /ˈeɪn.ʃənt/

Belonging to the very distant past and no longer in existence or deeply revered.

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/

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

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

articlesnounUS /ˈɑːrtəkəlz/

plural of “article” — nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

beardnounUS /bɪrd/

the hair growing on the lower part of a man's face

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

believedverbUS /bɪˈliːvd/

past form of “believe” — accept as true; take to be true

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

bigadjectiveUS /bɪɡ/

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

busyadjectiveUS /ˈbɪzi/

actively or fully engaged or occupied

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

certainadjectiveUS /ˈsɜːrtən/

definite but not specified or identified

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

ChinanounUS /ˈtʃaɪnə/

a communist nation that covers a vast territory in eastern Asia; the most populous country in the world

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

CitynounUS /ˈsɪti/

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

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

comeverbUS /kʌm/

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

companionsnounUS /kəmˈpænjənz/

plural of “companion” — a friend who is frequently in the company of another

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

conceivedverbUS /kənˈsiːvd/

past form of “conceive” — have the idea for

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

concerningverbUS /kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ/

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

congenialadjectiveUS /kənˈdʒiːnjəl/

suitable to your needs

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

declaredadjectiveUS /dɪˈklerd/

made known or openly avowed

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

DoctornounUS /ˈdɑːktər/

a licensed medical practitioner

From this reading The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.

Dr

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

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

EastnounUS /iːst/

the cardinal compass point that is at 90 degrees

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

EMPRESSnounUS /ˈempres/

a woman emperor or the wife of an emperor

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

feltverbUS /felt/

mat together and make felt-like

From this reading The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.

firmlyadverbUS /ˈfɜːrmli/

with resolute determination

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

formeradjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmər/

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

fortunesnounUS /ˈfɔːrtʃənz/

plural of “fortune” — an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

Francisco

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

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

gaveverbUS /ɡeɪv/

inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

GoldenadjectiveUS /ˈɡoʊldən/

having the deep slightly brownish color of gold

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

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

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

happenedverbUS /ˈhæpənd/

past form of “happen” — come to pass

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

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 The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

historynounUS /ˈhɪstəri/

the aggregate of past events

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

ideanounUS /aɪˈdiːə/

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

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

invalidnounUS /ˈɪnvələd/

someone who is incapacitated by a chronic illness or injury

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

knowingadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊɪŋ/

evidencing the possession of inside information

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

languagesnounUS /ˈlæŋɡwədʒəz/

plural of “language” — a systematic means of communicating by the use of sounds or conventional symbols

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

learnedadjectiveUS /lɜːrnd/

having or showing profound knowledge

From this reading The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.

lookingnounUS /ˈlʊkɪŋ/

the act of directing the eyes toward something and perceiving it visually

From this reading The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.

LOSESverbUS /ˈluːzəz/

third-person singular of “lose” — fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

lotnounUS /lɑːt/

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

mannounUS /mæn/

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

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

managedverbUS /ˈmænədʒd/

past form of “manage” — be successful; achieve a goal

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

Maximus

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

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

millionairenounUS /ˌmɪljəˈner/

a person whose material wealth is valued at more than a million dollars

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

modernadjectiveUS /ˈmɑːdərn/

belonging to the modern era; since the Middle Ages

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

MrsnounUS /ˈmɪsɪz/

a form of address for a married woman

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

mysteriousadjectiveUS /mɪˈstɪriəs/

of an obscure nature

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

nameverbUS /neɪm/

assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

Ophelia

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

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

outadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

paintingsnounUS /ˈpeɪntɪŋz/

plural of “painting” — graphic art consisting of an artistic composition made by applying paints to a surface

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

papersnounUS /ˈpeɪpərz/

writing that provides information (especially information of an official nature)

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

PASSENGERnounUS /ˈpæsəndʒər/

a traveler riding in a vehicle (a boat or bus or car or plane or train etc) who is not operating it

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

patientsnounUS /ˈpeɪʃənts/

plural of “patient” — a person who requires medical care

From this reading The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.

patronnounUS /ˈpeɪtrən/

a regular customer

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

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

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

ProfessornounUS /prəˈfesər/

someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

provideverbUS /prəˈvaɪd/

give something useful or necessary to

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

pulsenounUS /pʌls/

(electronics) a sharp transient wave in the normal electrical state (or a series of such transients)

From this reading The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.

purchasenounUS /ˈpɜːrtʃəs/

the acquisition of something for payment

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

reallyadverbUS /ˈrɪli/

in accordance with truth or fact or reality

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

safeadjectiveUS /seɪf/

free from danger or the risk of harm

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

San

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

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

sayingnounUS /ˈseɪɪŋ/

a word or phrase that particular people use in particular situations

From this reading The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.

scrapeverbUS /skreɪp/

scratch repeatedly

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

seekverbUS /siːk/

try to get or reach

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

seekingnounUS /ˈsiːkɪŋ/

the act of searching for something

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

sendingnounUS /ˈsendɪŋ/

the act of causing something to go (especially messages)

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

shakingnounUS /ˈʃeɪkɪŋ/

the act of causing something to move up and down (or back and forth) with quick movements

From this reading The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.

shapenounUS /ʃeɪp/

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.

signingnounUS /ˈsaɪnɪŋ/

language expressed by visible hand gestures

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

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

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

sonnounUS /sʌn/

a male human offspring

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

Sonntagg

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

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

Sonntaggs

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

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

successnounUS /səkˈses/

an event that accomplishes its intended purpose

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

suitableadjectiveUS /ˈsuːtəbəl/

meant or adapted for an occasion or use

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

ThesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

thinadjectiveUS /θɪn/

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

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

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

ThusadverbUS /ðʌs/

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

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

ToddnounUS /tɑːd/

Scottish chemist noted for his research into the structure of nucleic acids (born in 1907)

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

travellingnounUS /ˈtrævəlɪŋ/

the act of going from one place to another

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

valuableadjectiveUS /ˈvæljəbəl/

having great material or monetary value especially for use or exchange

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

whompronounUS /huːm/

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

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

wifenounUS /waɪf/

a married woman; a man's partner in marriage

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

wiseadjectiveUS /waɪz/

having or prompted by wisdom or discernment

From this reading The Mrs. Doctor had learned the art of saying little, looking wise, and shaking her head as she felt the pulse of her patients.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

worldnounUS /wɜːrld/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Thus it happened that when the busy millionaire, in seeking to provide a safe and congenial amusement for the son whom he firmly believed to be an invalid, conceived the idea of sending him around the world by way of China, he also thought of the Sonntaggs as most suitable travelling companions for him.

worthnounUS /wɜːrθ/

an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value

From this reading These people had managed to scrape an acquaintance with Amos Todd, whom the Professor declared to be the only patron of art in San Francisco worth knowing, and to whom he gave some really valuable advice concerning the purchase of certain paintings.

wroteverbUS /roʊt/

inflected form of “write” — produce a literary work

From this reading The former was a professor of almost everything in the shape of ancient and modern art, languages, history, and a lot of other things, concerning all of which he wrote articles for the papers, always signing his name to them in full.

yearnounUS /jɪr/

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading THE "EMPRESS" LOSES A PASSENGER Professor Maximus Sonntagg, a big man with a beard, and his wife, Mrs. Dr. Ophelia Sonntagg, who was thin and mysterious, had come out of the East to seek their fortunes in the Golden City about a year before, but up to this time without any great amount of success.

Chapter 4 of Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast by Kirk Munroe holds 69 sentences, grouped into 14 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 4 of Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast contain?

Chapter 4 holds 69 sentences of Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast, unabridged, divided into 14 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast by Kirk Munroe exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 69 sentences, grouped into 14 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 4 of Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast?

Work through the 14 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 14 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast

Common questions about reading Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast by Kirk Munroe on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast?

Yes. All 3756 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #35652 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #35652, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast take to read?

About 313 minutes of reading across 752 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast section by section

How to work through Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

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

Vocabulary met early in Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast

Words and structures a reader meets early in Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Snow-shoes
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Sledges
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Fur-seal's
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Rick Dale, A Story of the Northwest Coast; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.