Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Snowflakes and Sunbeams
Snowflakes and Sunbeams

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Snowflakes and Sunbeams is here in full — 79 sentences across 16 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Snowflakes and Sunbeams
Context Illustration Reading 14/15 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Now this was very wrong of Charley, for, of course, he didn’t _mean_ it.
Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practiceleading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are broiling hot when we are simply rather warm,” or more than half dead with fatigue when we are merely very tired.”
However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.
[1] A sort of sleigh.
Charley and Kate were warmly attached to each other.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Snowflakes and Sunbeams

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of Snowflakes and Sunbeams is here in full — 79 sentences across 16 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 14/15 · 5 reading units · Lines 66–70

Line 1
Now this was very wrong of Charley, for, of course, he didn’t _mean_ it.
Line 2
Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practiceleading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we arebroiling hotwhen we are simplyrather warm,” or more thanhalf deadwith fatigue when we are merelyvery tired.”
Line 3
However, Charley _said_ that he would rather bea buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.
Line 4
[1] A sort of sleigh.
Line 5
Charley and Kate were warmly attached to each other.

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.

asserting adjective US /əˈsɜːrtɪŋ/

relating to the use of or having the nature of a declaration

From this reading “Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.””

broiling noun US /ˈbrɔɪlɪŋ/

cooking by direct exposure to radiant heat (as over a fire or under a grill)

From this reading “Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.””

buffalo noun US /ˈbʌfəloʊ/

large shaggy-haired brown bison of North American plains

From this reading “However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be “a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.”

exaggerations noun US /ɪɡˌzædʒərˈeɪʃənz/

plural of “exaggeration” — extravagant exaggeration

From this reading “Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.””

fatigue noun US /fəˈtiːɡ/

temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work

From this reading “Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.””

record noun US /rəˈkɔːrd/

anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events

From this reading “However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be “a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.”

sleigh noun US /sleɪ/

a vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow

From this reading “[1] A sort of sleigh.”

warmly adverb US /ˈwɔːrmli/

in a hearty manner

From this reading “Charley and Kate were warmly attached to each other.”

All words in this reading · 100

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

1

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

From this reading [1] A sort of sleigh.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

absurdadjectiveUS /əbˈsɜːrd/

inconsistent with reason or logic or common sense

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/

touching and pressing; in opposition to

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

assertingadjectiveUS /əˈsɜːrtɪŋ/

relating to the use of or having the nature of a declaration

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

attachedadjectiveUS /əˈtætʃt/

being joined in close association

From this reading Charley and Kate were warmly attached to each other.

awareadjectiveUS /əˈwer/

(sometimes followed by “of”) having or showing knowledge or understanding or realization or perception

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

ay

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be “a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.

boundadjectiveUS /baʊnd/

confined by bonds

From this reading However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be “a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.

boysnounUS /bɔɪz/

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

broilingnounUS /ˈbrɔɪlɪŋ/

cooking by direct exposure to radiant heat (as over a fire or under a grill)

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

buffalonounUS /ˈbʌfəloʊ/

large shaggy-haired brown bison of North American plains

From this reading However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be “a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.

cannot

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

Charley

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

From this reading Now this was very wrong of Charley, for, of course, he didn’t _mean_ it.

coursenounUS /kɔːrs/

education imparted in a series of lessons or meetings

From this reading Now this was very wrong of Charley, for, of course, he didn’t _mean_ it.

creditnounUS /ˈkredət/

approval

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

deadadjectiveUS /ded/

no longer having or seeming to have or expecting to have life

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

dearadjectiveUS /dɪr/

dearly loved

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

didn't

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

From this reading Now this was very wrong of Charley, for, of course, he didn’t _mean_ it.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be “a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.

doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

don't

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

doubtnounUS /daʊt/

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Charley and Kate were warmly attached to each other.

exaggerationsnounUS /ɪɡˌzædʒərˈeɪʃənz/

plural of “exaggeration” — extravagant exaggeration

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be “a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.

fatiguenounUS /fəˈtiːɡ/

temporary loss of strength and energy resulting from hard physical or mental work

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

feelverbUS /fiːl/

undergo an emotional sensation or be in a particular state of mind

From this reading However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be “a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Now this was very wrong of Charley, for, of course, he didn’t _mean_ it.

giveverbUS /ɡɪv/

cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

gravelyadverbUS /ˈɡreɪvli/

in a grave and sober manner

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

grown-up

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

habitnounUS /ˈhæbət/

an established custom

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

halfadjectiveUS /hæf/

consisting of one of two equivalent parts in value or quantity

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Now this was very wrong of Charley, for, of course, he didn’t _mean_ it.

honournounUS /ˈɑːnər/

the state of being honored

From this reading However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be “a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.

hotadjectiveUS /hɑːt/

used of physical heat; having a high or higher than desirable temperature or giving off heat or feeling or causing a sensation of heat or burning

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

HoweveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be “a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be “a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.

IndeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/

in truth (often tends to intensify)

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Now this was very wrong of Charley, for, of course, he didn’t _mean_ it.

Kate

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

From this reading Charley and Kate were warmly attached to each other.

leadingadjectiveUS /ˈliːdɪŋ/

indicating the most important performer or role

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

meanverbUS /miːn/

mean or intend to express or convey

From this reading Now this was very wrong of Charley, for, of course, he didn’t _mean_ it.

merelyadverbUS /ˈmɪrli/

and nothing more

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

NowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now this was very wrong of Charley, for, of course, he didn’t _mean_ it.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Now this was very wrong of Charley, for, of course, he didn’t _mean_ it.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading Charley and Kate were warmly attached to each other.

others

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

ourself

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

possessverbUS /pəˈzes/

have as an attribute, knowledge, or skill

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

practicenounUS /ˈpræktəs/

a customary way of operation or behavior

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

ratheradverbUS /ˈræðər/

on the contrary

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

readernounUS /ˈriːdər/

a person who enjoys reading

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

recordnounUS /rəˈkɔːrd/

anything (such as a document or a phonograph record or a photograph) providing permanent evidence of or information about past events

From this reading However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be “a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.

remonstrateverb

argue in protest or opposition

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be “a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.

sayverbUS /seɪ/

express in words

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

self-knowledgenoun

an understanding of yourself and your goals and abilities

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

simplyadverbUS /ˈsɪmpli/

and nothing more

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

sleighnounUS /sleɪ/

a vehicle mounted on runners and pulled by horses or dogs; for transportation over snow

From this reading [1] A sort of sleigh.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be “a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.

sortnounUS /sɔːrt/

a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading [1] A sort of sleigh.

sortsnounUS /sɔːrts/

plural of “sort” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

stronglyadverbUS /ˈstrɔːŋli/

with strength or in a strong manner

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Now this was very wrong of Charley, for, of course, he didn’t _mean_ it.

tiredadjectiveUS /ˈtaɪərd/

depleted of strength or energy

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading Now this was very wrong of Charley, for, of course, he didn’t _mean_ it.

warmadjectiveUS /wɔːrm/

having or producing a comfortable and agreeable degree of heat or imparting or maintaining heat

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

warmlyadverbUS /ˈwɔːrmli/

in a hearty manner

From this reading Charley and Kate were warmly attached to each other.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Now this was very wrong of Charley, for, of course, he didn’t _mean_ it.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Charley and Kate were warmly attached to each other.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading However, Charley _said_ that he would rather be “a buffalo than do it,” and so we feel bound in honour to record the fact.

wrongadjectiveUS /rɔːŋ/

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading Now this was very wrong of Charley, for, of course, he didn’t _mean_ it.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Indeed, it is too much a habit among little boys, ay, and among grown-up people, too, to say what they don’t mean, as no doubt you are aware, dear reader, if you possess half the self-knowledge we give you credit for; and we cannot too strongly remonstrate with ourself and others against the practice—leading, as it does, to all sorts of absurd exaggerations, such as gravely asserting that we are “broiling hot” when we are simply “rather warm,” or more than “half dead” with fatigue when we are merely “very tired.”

Chapter 1 of Snowflakes and Sunbeams by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne holds 79 sentences, grouped into 16 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of Snowflakes and Sunbeams contain?

Chapter 1 holds 79 sentences of Snowflakes and Sunbeams, unabridged, divided into 16 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Snowflakes and Sunbeams by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 79 sentences, grouped into 16 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 Snowflakes and Sunbeams?

Work through the 16 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 16 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 Snowflakes and Sunbeams

Common questions about reading Snowflakes and Sunbeams by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Snowflakes and Sunbeams?

Yes. All 4540 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #6357 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Snowflakes and Sunbeams is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #6357, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Snowflakes and Sunbeams take to read?

About 378 minutes of reading across 908 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Snowflakes and Sunbeams section by section

How to work through Snowflakes and Sunbeams section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 21 chapters of Snowflakes and Sunbeams 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 Snowflakes and Sunbeams

Words and structures a reader meets early in Snowflakes and Sunbeams, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Course
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Snowflakes and Sunbeams; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Curiously
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Snowflakes and Sunbeams; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Enough
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Snowflakes and Sunbeams; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Smooth
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Snowflakes and Sunbeams; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.