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The Age of Innocence
The Age of Innocence

Chapter XX · Chapter 20

Chapter 20 of The Age of Innocence is here in full — 147 sentences across 30 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/29 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
At length she said: "I believe it's because of you."
It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.
Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.
"At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.
I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."
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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.

The Age of Innocence

Chapter XX · Chapter 20

Chapter 20 of The Age of Innocence is here in full — 147 sentences across 30 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/29 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
At length she said: "I believe it's because of you."
Line 2
It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.
/ɪt wɑːz ˌɪmˈpɑːsəbəl tuː meɪk ðə kənˈfeʃən mɔːr dɪˈspæʃənətli ɔːr ɪn ə toʊn les enˈkɜːrɪdʒɪŋ tuː ðə ˈvænəti ʌv ðə ˈpɜːrsən əˈdrest/
Line 3
Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.
Line 4
"At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.
/æt liːst ʃiː kənˈtɪnjuːd ɪt wɑːz juː huː meɪd miː ˌʌndərˈstænd ðæt ˈʌndər ðə ˈdʌlnəs ðer ɑːr θɪŋz soʊ faɪn ənd ˈsensətɪv ənd ˈdeləkət ðæt ˈiːvɪn ðoʊz aɪ moʊst kerd fɔːr ɪn maɪ ˈʌðər laɪf lʊk tʃiːp ɪn kəmˈperəsən/
Line 5
I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

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.

Archer noun US /ˈɑːrtʃər/

a person who is expert in the use of a bow and arrow

From this reading “Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.”

butterfly verb US /ˈbʌtərflaɪ/

flutter like a butterfly

From this reading “Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.”

dispassionately adverb US /dɪˈspæʃənətli/

in an impartially dispassionate manner

From this reading “It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.”

dullness noun US /ˈdʌlnəs/

the quality of being slow to understand

From this reading “"At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.”

encouraging adjective US /enˈkɜːrɪdʒɪŋ/

giving courage or confidence or hope

From this reading “It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.”

flock noun US /flɑːk/

a church congregation guided by a pastor

From this reading “Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.”

shabby adjective US /ˈʃæbi/

showing signs of wear and tear

From this reading “I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."”

undisturbed adjective US /ˌʌndɪˈstɜːrbd/

untroubled by interference or disturbance

From this reading “Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.”

All words in this reading · 111

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.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

addressedadjectiveUS /əˈdrest/

(of mail) marked with a destination

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

ArchernounUS /ˈɑːrtʃər/

a person who is expert in the use of a bow and arrow

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

AtprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At length she said: "I believe it's because of you."

basenounUS /beɪs/

installation from which a military force initiates operations

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/

for the reason that

From this reading At length she said: "I believe it's because of you."

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

believeverbUS /bɪˈliːv/

accept as true; take to be true

From this reading At length she said: "I believe it's because of you."

browsnounUS /braʊz/

plural of “brow” — the part of the face above the eyes

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

butterflyverbUS /ˈbʌtərflaɪ/

flutter like a butterfly

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

caredverbUS /kerd/

past form of “care” — feel concern or interest

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

cheapadjectiveUS /tʃiːp/

relatively low in price or charging low prices

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

comparisonnounUS /kəmˈperəsən/

the act of examining resemblances

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

confessionnounUS /kənˈfeʃən/

an admission of misdeeds or faults

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

continuedadjectiveUS /kənˈtɪnjuːd/

without stop or interruption

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

daredverbUS /derd/

past form of “dare” — take upon oneself; act presumptuously, without permission

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

delicateadjectiveUS /ˈdeləkət/

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

dispassionatelyadverbUS /dɪˈspæʃənətli/

in an impartially dispassionate manner

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

don't

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

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

drewnounUS /druː/

United States actor (born in Ireland); father of Georgiana Emma Barrymore (1827-1862)

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

driveverbUS /draɪv/

operate or control a vehicle

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

dullnessnounUS /ˈdʌlnəs/

the quality of being slow to understand

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

encouragingadjectiveUS /enˈkɜːrɪdʒɪŋ/

giving courage or confidence or hope

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

explainverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪn/

make plain and comprehensible

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

exquisiteadjectiveUS /ˈekskwəzət/

intense or sharp

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

fineadjectiveUS /faɪn/

being satisfactory or in satisfactory condition

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

flocknounUS /flɑːk/

a church congregation guided by a pastor

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

gatherverbUS /ˈɡæðər/

assemble or get together

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

hardadjectiveUS /hɑːrd/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

how

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

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading At length she said: "I believe it's because of you."

I'd

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

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

impossibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɑːsəbəl/

not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

it's

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

From this reading At length she said: "I believe it's because of you."

knowverbUS /noʊ/

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

leastadjectiveUS /liːst/

the superlative of “little” that can be used with mass nouns and is usually preceded by “the”; a quantifier meaning smallest in amount or extent or degree

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

leftnounUS /left/

location near or direction toward the left side; i.e. the side to the north when a person or object faces east

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

lengthnounUS /leŋkθ/

the linear extent in space from one end to the other; the longest dimension of something that is fixed in place

From this reading At length she said: "I believe it's because of you."

lessadverbUS /les/

used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

lifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

lookverbUS /lʊk/

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

motionnounUS /ˈmoʊʃən/

the use of movements (especially of the hands) to communicate familiar or prearranged signals

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

moveverbUS /muːv/

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading At length she said: "I believe it's because of you."

offadverbUS /ɔːf/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

paidadjectiveUS /peɪd/

marked by the reception of pay

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

personnounUS /ˈpɜːrsən/

a human being

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

pleasuresnounUS /ˈpleʒərz/

plural of “pleasure” — a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

rareadjectiveUS /rer/

not widely known; especially valued for its uncommonness

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

reddenedadjective

(especially of the face) reddened or suffused with or as if with blood from emotion or exertion

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

saidadjectiveUS /sed/

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading At length she said: "I believe it's because of you."

seemsverbUS /siːmz/

third-person singular of “seem” — give a certain impression or have a certain outward aspect

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

sensitiveadjectiveUS /ˈsensətɪv/

responsive to physical stimuli

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

shabbyadjectiveUS /ˈʃæbi/

showing signs of wear and tear

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading At length she said: "I believe it's because of you."

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

speakverbUS /spiːk/

express in speech

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

startledadjectiveUS /ˈstɑːrtəld/

excited by sudden surprise or alarm and making a quick involuntary movement

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

templesnounUS /ˈtempəlz/

plural of “temple” — place of worship consisting of an edifice for the worship of a deity

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

togetheradverbUS /təˈɡeðər/

in contact with each other or in proximity

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

tonenounUS /toʊn/

the quality of a person's voice

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

troubledadjectiveUS /ˈtrʌbəld/

characterized by or indicative of distress or affliction or danger or need

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

understandverbUS /ˌʌndərˈstænd/

know and comprehend the nature or meaning of

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

understoodadjectiveUS /ˌʌndərˈstʊd/

fully apprehended as to purport or meaning or explanation

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

undisturbedadjectiveUS /ˌʌndɪˈstɜːrbd/

untroubled by interference or disturbance

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

vanitynounUS /ˈvænəti/

feelings of excessive pride

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It was impossible to make the confession more dispassionately, or in a tone less encouraging to the vanity of the person addressed.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading "At least," she continued, "it was you who made me understand that under the dullness there are things so fine and sensitive and delicate that even those I most cared for in my other life look cheap in comparison.

wingsnounUS /wɪŋz/

a means of flight or ascent

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading I don't know how to explain myself"--she drew together her troubled brows--"but it seems as if I'd never before understood with how much that is hard and shabby and base the most exquisite pleasures may be paid."

wordsnounUS /wɜːrdz/

the words that are spoken

From this reading Archer reddened to the temples, but dared not move or speak: it was as if her words had been some rare butterfly that the least motion might drive off on startled wings, but that might gather a flock about it if it were left undisturbed.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading At length she said: "I believe it's because of you."

Chapter 20 of The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton holds 147 sentences, grouped into 30 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 20 of The Age of Innocence contain?

Chapter 20 holds 147 sentences of The Age of Innocence, unabridged, divided into 30 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 20 of The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 147 sentences, grouped into 30 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 20 of The Age of Innocence?

Work through the 30 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 30 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 20 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 20 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 The Age of Innocence

Common questions about reading The Age of Innocence by Edith Wharton on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Age of Innocence?

Yes. All 4855 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #541 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Age of Innocence is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #541, a public-domain edition. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Age of Innocence take to read?

About 404 minutes of reading across 971 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Age of Innocence section by section

How to work through The Age of Innocence section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 30 chapters of The Age of Innocence 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 The Age of Innocence

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Age of Innocence, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

January
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Age of Innocence; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Evening
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Age of Innocence; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Early
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Age of Innocence; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Seventies
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Age of Innocence; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.