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Swann's Way
Swann's Way

Chapter VI

Cover illustration for Swann's Way
Context Illustration Reading 1/77 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
"D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.
He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."
"I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."
And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.
When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Swann's Way

Chapter VI

Reading 1/77 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
"D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.
Line 2
He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."
Line 3
"I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."
Line 4
And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.
Line 5
When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

Learner Dictionary

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

Answered noun US /ˈanswered/

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

From this reading “"I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."”

Anything pronoun US /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading “"D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.”

Believe noun US /ˈbelieve/

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

From this reading “"D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.”

Doctor noun US /doctor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.”

Everything pronoun US /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading “He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading “He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."”

Know noun US /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.”

Let auxiliary verb US /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading “And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.”

Myself pronoun US /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading “"I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."”

Nothing pronoun US /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading “He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."”

Quite noun US /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."”

Same noun US /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."”

Something pronoun US /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.”

Take noun US /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.”

Thing noun US /thing/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."”

Trifle noun US /ˈtraɪfəl/

something that needs very little effort

From this reading “And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.”

All words in this reading · 119

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

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

accepts

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

almost

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

always

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

announced

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

answerednounUS /ˈanswered/

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

From this reading "I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."

anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

apart

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

artificial

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

astonishment

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

believenounUS /ˈbelieve/

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

bought

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

brutal

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading "I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

cost

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

Cottard

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

D'you

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

dared

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

From this reading "I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."

Day

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

depreciate

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

DoctornounUS /doctor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

Dr

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

evening

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

everyday

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/

all things; all of a situation

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

exclaimed

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

existence

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

following

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

francs

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

going

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

gospel

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

hundred

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

husband

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

I've

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

From this reading "I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."

imagined

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

impossible

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

instead

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading "I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."

knownounUS /know/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

knows

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

letauxiliary verbUS /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

lives

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

M

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

From this reading "I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."

man

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

match

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

mention

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

From this reading "I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."

mere

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

Mme

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading "I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."

New

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

news

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

noticed

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

From this reading "I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

offer

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

perpetually

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

piece

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

pretending

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

quitenounUS /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

readiness

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

rendered

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

ruby

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

said

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

samenounUS /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."

say

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From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

scientist

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

see

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

sending

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

smallest

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

stone

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

Swann

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

takenounUS /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

thingnounUS /thing/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "I never dared to mention it," M. Verdurin had answered, "but I've noticed the same thing myself."

things

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

thousand

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

three

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

tone

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

triflenounUS /ˈtraɪfəl/

something that needs very little effort

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

unawares

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

understood

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

utterly

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

Verdurin

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.

way

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

work

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

worth

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

From this reading He is a scientist who lives quite apart from our everyday existence; he knows nothing himself of what things are worth, and he accepts everything that we say as gospel."

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading When Mme. Verdurin had announced that they were to see M. Swann that evening; "Swann!" the Doctor had exclaimed in a tone rendered brutal by his astonishment, for the smallest piece of news would always take utterly unawares this man who imagined himself to be perpetually in readiness for anything.

wrong

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

From this reading "D'you know," Mme. Verdurin had said to her husband, "I believe we are going the wrong way to work when we depreciate anything we offer the Doctor.

Year's

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

From this reading And on the following New Year's Day, instead of sending Dr. Cottard a ruby that cost three thousand francs, and pretending that it was a mere trifle, M. Verdurin bought an artificial stone for three hundred, and let it be understood that it was something almost impossible to match.