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Sketches of Young Couples
Sketches of Young Couples

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Sketches of Young Couples is here in full — 113 sentences across 23 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/22 · 5 lines
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PAGE An Urgent Remonstrance, &c.
447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493
An Urgent Remonstrance, &c.
THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.
THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Sketches of Young Couples

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Sketches of Young Couples is here in full — 113 sentences across 23 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/22 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
PAGE An Urgent Remonstrance, &c.
Line 2
447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493
Line 3
An Urgent Remonstrance, &c.
Line 4
THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.
Line 5
THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

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.

Coddle verb US /ˈkɑːdəl/

treat with excessive indulgence

From this reading “447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493”

Contradictory adjective US /ˌkɑːntrəˈdɪktəri/

of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true and both cannot be false

From this reading “447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493”

Defender noun US /dɪˈfendər/

a person who cares for persons or property

From this reading “THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.”

Dote verb US /doʊt/

be foolish or senile due to old age

From this reading “447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493”

Egotistical adjective US /ˌiːɡəˈtɪstɪkəl/

characteristic of those having an inflated idea of their own importance

From this reading “447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493”

Privy noun US /ˈprɪvi/

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading “THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.”

Saxe noun US /sæks/

a French marshal who distinguished himself in the War of the Austrian Succession (1696-1750)

From this reading “THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’”

wedlock noun US /ˈwedlɑːk/

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading “THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.”

All words in this reading · 97

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.

23rd

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

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

447

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

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

451

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

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

455

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

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

458

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

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

463

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

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

466

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

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

471

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

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

474

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

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

478

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

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

481

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

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

485

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

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

489

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

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

493

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

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

aforesaidadjectiveUS /əˈfɔːrsed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

AlbertnounUS /ˈælbərt/

prince consort of Queen Victoria of England (1819-1861)

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

allynounUS /ˈælaɪ/

a friendly nation

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

AndeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading PAGE An Urgent Remonstrance, &c.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

bondsnounUS /bɑːndz/

plural of “bond” — an electrical force linking atoms

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

BritainnounUS /ˈbrɪtən/

a monarchy in northwestern Europe occupying most of the British Isles; divided into England and Scotland and Wales and Northern Ireland; “Great Britain” is often used loosely to refer to the United Kingdom

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

cnounUS /siː/

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading PAGE An Urgent Remonstrance, &c.

ChildrennounUS /ˈtʃɪldrən/

plural of “child” — a young person of either sex

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

Coburg

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

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

CoddleverbUS /ˈkɑːdəl/

treat with excessive indulgence

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

ConclusionnounUS /kənˈkluːʒən/

a position or opinion or judgment reached after consideration

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

ContradictoryadjectiveUS /ˌkɑːntrəˈdɪktəri/

of words or propositions so related that both cannot be true and both cannot be false

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

CooladjectiveUS /kuːl/

neither warm nor very cold; giving relief from heat

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

CouncilnounUS /ˈkaʊnsəl/

a body serving in an administrative capacity

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

CouplenounUS /ˈkʌpəl/

a pair who associate with one another

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

daynounUS /deɪ/

time for Earth to make a complete rotation on its axis

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

declareverbUS /dɪˈkler/

state emphatically and authoritatively

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

DefendernounUS /dɪˈfendər/

a person who cares for persons or property

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

DoteverbUS /doʊt/

be foolish or senile due to old age

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

EgotisticaladjectiveUS /ˌiːɡəˈtɪstɪkəl/

characteristic of those having an inflated idea of their own importance

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

employverbUS /emˈplɔɪ/

put into service; make work or employ for a particular purpose or for its inherent or natural purpose

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

enteringnounUS /ˈentərɪŋ/

a movement into or inward

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

FaithnounUS /feɪθ/

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

FormaladjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrməl/

being in accord with established forms and conventions and requirements (as e.g. of formal dress)

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

GodnounUS /ɡɑːd/

the supernatural being conceived as the perfect and omnipotent and omniscient originator and ruler of the universe; the object of worship in monotheistic religions

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

Gotha

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

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

GracenounUS /ɡreɪs/

(Christian theology) a state of sanctification by God; the state of one who is under such divine influence

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

GraciousadjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪʃəs/

characterized by charm, good taste, and generosity of spirit

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

GreatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

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

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

HerdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

HonourableadjectiveUS /ˈɑːnərəbəl/

worthy of being honored; entitled to honor and respect

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

intentionnounUS /ˌɪnˈtentʃən/

an anticipated outcome that is intended or that guides your planned actions

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

IrelandnounUS /ˈaɪərlənd/

a republic consisting of 26 of 32 counties comprising the island of Ireland; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1921

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

KingdomnounUS /ˈkɪŋdəm/

a domain in which something is dominant

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/

apprehended with certainty

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

lastadjectiveUS /læst/

immediately past

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

LittleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

LovingadjectiveUS /ˈlʌvɪŋ/

feeling or showing love and affection

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

MajestynounUS /ˈmædʒəsti/

impressiveness in scale or proportion

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

Majesty'snounUS /ˈmædʒəstiz/

possessive form of “majesty” — impressiveness in scale or proportion

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

makingnounUS /ˈmeɪkɪŋ/

the act that results in something coming to be

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

marriagenounUS /ˈmerɪdʒ/

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

MostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

NiceadjectiveUS /naɪs/

pleasant or pleasing or agreeable in nature or appearance

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

NovembernounUS /noʊˈvembər/

the month following October and preceding December

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

OldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

PAGEnounUS /peɪdʒ/

one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains

From this reading PAGE An Urgent Remonstrance, &c.

pastnounUS /pæst/

the time that has elapsed

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

PlausibleadjectiveUS /ˈplɔːzəbəl/

apparently reasonable and credible, and therefore convincing

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

PrincenounUS /prɪns/

a male member of a royal family other than the sovereign (especially the son of a sovereign)

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

PrivynounUS /ˈprɪvi/

a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

pronounceverbUS /prəˈnaʊns/

speak, pronounce, or utter in a certain way

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

QueennounUS /kwiːn/

the only fertile female in a colony of social insects such as bees and ants and termites; its function is to lay eggs

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

Remonstrancenoun

the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest

From this reading PAGE An Urgent Remonstrance, &c.

SaxenounUS /sæks/

a French marshal who distinguished himself in the War of the Austrian Succession (1696-1750)

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

THATconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

TheirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

ThemselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

UnitedadjectiveUS /juːˈnaɪtɪd/

characterized by unity; being or joined into a single entity

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

UponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

UrgentadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrdʒənt/

compelling immediate action

From this reading PAGE An Urgent Remonstrance, &c.

usenounUS /juːs/

the act of using

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

VictorianounUS /vɪkˈtɔːriə/

queen of Great Britain and Ireland and empress of India from 1837 to 1901; the last Hanoverian ruler of England (1819-1901)

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

wedlocknounUS /ˈwedlɑːk/

the state of being a married couple voluntarily joined for life (or until divorce)

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, Victoria, by the Grace of God of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland Queen, Defender of the Faith, did, on the 23rd day of November last past, declare and pronounce to Her Most Honourable Privy Council, Her Majesty’s Most Gracious intention of entering into the bonds of wedlock.

WhopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

wordsnounUS /wɜːrdz/

the words that are spoken

From this reading THAT Her Most Gracious Majesty, in so making known Her Most Gracious intention to Her Most Honourable Privy Council as aforesaid, did use and employ the words—‘It is my intention to ally myself in marriage with Prince Albert of Saxe Coburg and Gotha.’

YoungadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading 447 The Young Couple 451 The Formal Couple 455 The Loving Couple 458 The Contradictory Couple 463 The Couple Who Dote Upon Their Children 466 The Cool Couple 471 The Plausible Couple 474 The Nice Little Couple 478 The Egotistical Couple 481 The Couple Who Coddle Themselves 485 The Old Couple 489 Conclusion 493

Chapter 1 of Sketches of Young Couples by Charles Dickens holds 113 sentences, grouped into 23 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of Sketches of Young Couples contain?

Chapter 1 holds 113 sentences of Sketches of Young Couples, unabridged, divided into 23 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Sketches of Young Couples by Charles Dickens exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 113 sentences, grouped into 23 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 1 of Sketches of Young Couples?

Work through the 23 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 23 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 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 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 Sketches of Young Couples

Common questions about reading Sketches of Young Couples by Charles Dickens on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Sketches of Young Couples?

Yes. All 568 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #916 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Sketches of Young Couples is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #916, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Sketches of Young Couples take to read?

About 47 minutes of reading across 114 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Sketches of Young Couples section by section

How to work through Sketches of Young Couples section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 5 chapters of Sketches of Young Couples 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 Sketches of Young Couples

Words and structures a reader meets early in Sketches of Young Couples, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Urgent
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches of Young Couples; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Remonstrance
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches of Young Couples; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Young
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches of Young Couples; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Couple
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Sketches of Young Couples; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.