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The Alembic Plot: A Terran Empire Novel
The Alembic Plot: A Terran Empire Novel

Chapter XV

Cover illustration for The Alembic Plot: A Terran Empire Novel
Context Illustration Reading 1/81 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.
The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.
She was the last to be introduced, and she saw concern on the two men's faces as they approached.
Bain made the introductions, then said, "We heard what's started happening to you at Mass.
Does it .
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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 Alembic Plot: A Terran Empire Novel

Chapter XV

Reading 1/81 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.
Line 2
The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.
Line 3
She was the last to be introduced, and she saw concern on the two men's faces as they approached.
Line 4
Bain made the introductions, then said, "We heard what's started happening to you at Mass.
Line 5
Does it .
/dʌz ɪt/

Learner Dictionary

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

Around preposition US /ərˈaʊnd/

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading “Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.”

Help noun US /help/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.”

Last noun US /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She was the last to be introduced, and she saw concern on the two men's faces as they approached.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.”

All words in this reading · 73

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

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

approached

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

From this reading She was the last to be introduced, and she saw concern on the two men's faces as they approached.

aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Bain made the introductions, then said, "We heard what's started happening to you at Mass.

Bain

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

From this reading Bain made the introductions, then said, "We heard what's started happening to you at Mass.

Bains

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

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

Betty'd

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

briefing

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

came

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

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

Certainly

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

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

concern

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

From this reading She was the last to be introduced, and she saw concern on the two men's faces as they approached.

Cortin

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

Dave

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

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

discovered

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

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

Doesauxiliary verbUS /dʌz/

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

From this reading Does it .

doubt

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

faces

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

From this reading She was the last to be introduced, and she saw concern on the two men's faces as they approached.

fairly

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

fit

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

given

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

group

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

happening

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

From this reading Bain made the introductions, then said, "We heard what's started happening to you at Mass.

heard

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

From this reading Bain made the introductions, then said, "We heard what's started happening to you at Mass.

helpnounUS /help/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

introduced

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

From this reading She was the last to be introduced, and she saw concern on the two men's faces as they approached.

introducing

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

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

introductions

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

From this reading Bain made the introductions, then said, "We heard what's started happening to you at Mass.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Does it .

lastnounUS /last/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She was the last to be introduced, and she saw concern on the two men's faces as they approached.

leaving

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

made

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

From this reading Bain made the introductions, then said, "We heard what's started happening to you at Mass.

marrying

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

Mass

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

From this reading Bain made the introductions, then said, "We heard what's started happening to you at Mass.

men's

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

From this reading She was the last to be introduced, and she saw concern on the two men's faces as they approached.

months

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

obviously

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading She was the last to be introduced, and she saw concern on the two men's faces as they approached.

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

reactions

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

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

room

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

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

said

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

From this reading Bain made the introductions, then said, "We heard what's started happening to you at Mass.

saw

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

From this reading She was the last to be introduced, and she saw concern on the two men's faces as they approached.

sent

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

she'd

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

soon

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

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

started

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

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

then

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

From this reading Bain made the introductions, then said, "We heard what's started happening to you at Mass.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading Certainly not the Bains' reactions, she discovered as soon as they came into the room and Dave started introducing them around.

they'd

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

thorough

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

two

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

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading She was the last to be introduced, and she saw concern on the two men's faces as they approached.

WepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Bain made the introductions, then said, "We heard what's started happening to you at Mass.

what's

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

From this reading Bain made the introductions, then said, "We heard what's started happening to you at Mass.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The two she'd sent to help had obviously given them a thorough briefing; they fit in as if they'd been part of the group for months, leaving Cortin with no doubt that Betty'd be marrying in fairly soon.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading Bain made the introductions, then said, "We heard what's started happening to you at Mass.