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Serapis — Volume 04
Serapis — Volume 04

Chapter II

Cover illustration for Serapis — Volume 04
Context Illustration Reading 1/41 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.
The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.
As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.
The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.
Medius himself, in spite of the scorching sun, could not be still.
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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.

Serapis — Volume 04

Chapter II

Reading 1/41 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.
Line 2
The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.
Line 3
As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.
Line 4
The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.
Line 5
Medius himself, in spite of the scorching sun, could not be still.

Learner Dictionary

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

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “Medius himself, in spite of the scorching sun, could not be still.”

Different noun US /ˈdifferent/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.”

Done noun US /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.”

Everyone pronoun US /ˈevriwʌn/

every person

From this reading “As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading “Medius himself, in spite of the scorching sun, could not be still.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.”

Next noun US /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.”

Scanty adjective US /ˈskænti/

small or barely sufficient in amount

From this reading “The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Medius himself, in spite of the scorching sun, could not be still.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.”

All words in this reading · 125

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

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

alike

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

all

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

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

any

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

AsconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

awake

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

black

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

buried

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

came

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

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

ceremony

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

citizens

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

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

common

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

contact

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

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Medius himself, in spite of the scorching sun, could not be still.

cowered

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

crash

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

dark

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

daughter

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

day

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

deeply

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

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

differentnounUS /ˈdifferent/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

donenounUS /done/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

doom

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

earthquakes

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

edicts

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

else

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

end

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

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

enforced

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

everyonepronounUS /ˈevriwʌn/

every person

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

exempt

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

family

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

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

felt

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

fig-tree

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

garden

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

gods

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

growth

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

hand

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

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading Medius himself, in spite of the scorching sun, could not be still.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

hot

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

how

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

joined

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

knew

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

lamb

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

lay

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

man

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

Medius

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

From this reading Medius himself, in spite of the scorching sun, could not be still.

members

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

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

more

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

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

neighbors

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

nextnounUS /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

night

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

occasion

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

old

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

only

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

oppressively

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

other

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

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

overwhelmed

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

palm

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

perish

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From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

prohibiting

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From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

promptly

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

rigidly

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

roofs

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

rooted

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From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

row

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

sacrifice

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

sacrificing

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

savings

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

scantyadjectiveUS /ˈskænti/

small or barely sufficient in amount

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

scorching

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From this reading Medius himself, in spite of the scorching sun, could not be still.

secretly

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

severe

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

shade

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

singer's

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

size

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

slept

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

small

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

some

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

soon

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

spite

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

From this reading Medius himself, in spite of the scorching sun, could not be still.

stars

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Medius himself, in spite of the scorching sun, could not be still.

storms

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

sun

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

From this reading Medius himself, in spite of the scorching sun, could not be still.

terror

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

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

things

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

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

usual

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

very

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

victims

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

walls

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

warm

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

From this reading The night was warm, and great and small alike slept--or lay awake--under the stars so as not to be overwhelmed by the crash of roofs and walls; the next day was oppressively hot, and the family cowered in a row in the scanty shade of a palm and of a fig-tree, the only growth of any size in the singer's garden.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

why

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

From this reading As soon as it was dark the old man buried all his savings, for even if everyone else were to perish, he felt that he--though how or why he knew not--might be exempt from the common doom.

wife

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The more the different members of the family came into contact with other citizens, the more deeply rooted was their terror that the end of all things was at hand.

Zeus

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

From this reading The singer's wife and daughter had joined some neighbors in sacrificing a black lamb to Zeus, a ceremony that was usual on the occasion of earthquakes or very severe storms; but it was done very secretly, for the edicts prohibiting the sacrifice of victims to the gods were promptly and rigidly enforced.