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Saunterings
Saunterings

Chapter XVI

Cover illustration for Saunterings
Context Illustration Reading 1/25 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.
It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.
The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.
Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.
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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.

Saunterings

Chapter XVI

Reading 1/25 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.
Line 2
Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.
Line 3
It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.
Line 4
The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.
Line 5
Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

Learner Dictionary

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

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.”

Ashes noun US /ˈæʃ.ɪz/

The powdery residue left after the burning of a substance.

From this reading “Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.”

Behind preposition US /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading “Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.”

Fine noun US /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.”

Good noun US /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.”

Length noun US /leŋθ/

a period of time or extent

From this reading “It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.”

Silver noun US /silver/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.”

All words in this reading · 79

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

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.

abound

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

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.

ago

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

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

also

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

From this reading Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.

altar

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

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.

arch

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

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

ashesnounUS /ˈæʃ.ɪz/

The powdery residue left after the burning of a substance.

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

BehindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

built

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

From this reading Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.

cover

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

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

covered

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

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

cross

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

From this reading It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.

cupola

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

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

door

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

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

empress

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

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

feet

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

From this reading It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.

finenounUS /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

floor

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

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.

foreseeing

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

From this reading Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.

form

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

From this reading It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.

forty

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

From this reading It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.

forty-six

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

From this reading It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.

Galla

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

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

GoodnounUS /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

Latin

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

From this reading It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

lengthnounUS /leŋθ/

a period of time or extent

From this reading It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.

literally

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

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

magnificent

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

From this reading Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.

marble

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

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

marbles

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

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

massive

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

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

mausoleum

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

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

mosaics

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

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

occupation

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

From this reading Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

off

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

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

Old

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

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

once

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

From this reading Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

own

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

From this reading Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.

paved

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

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

Placidia

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

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

plates

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

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

prudent

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

From this reading Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.

Ravenna

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

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

representation

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

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

rich

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

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

sarcophagus

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

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

sepulcher

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

From this reading Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

Shepherd

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

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

showed

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

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

silver

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

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Placidia was also prudent and foreseeing, and built this once magnificent sepulcher for her own occupation.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

torn

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

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

uspronounUS /ʌs/

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Behind the altar is the massive sarcophagus of marble (its cover of silver plates was long ago torn off) in which are literally the ashes of the empress.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

width

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

From this reading It is in the form of a Latin cross, forty-six feet in length by about forty in width.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The floor is paved with rich marbles; the cupola is covered with mosaics of the time of the empress; and in the arch over the door is a fine representation of the Good Shepherd.

women

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

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.

young

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

From this reading Old women abound in Ravenna; at least, she was not young who showed us the mausoleum of Galla Placidia.