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 Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
Abbe
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From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
abbey
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From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
actually
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From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
afforded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
air
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
all
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From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
apart
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From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
argumentative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
arrival
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From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
artistic
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From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
atmosphere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
bearingsplural nounUS /ˈberɪŋz/
directions used to locate a place, especially at sea
From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
Benedict
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From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
better
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
borrowed
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From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
channel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
Chartres
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
chew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
choice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
conciliatory
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
confused
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
date
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
definite
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From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
delay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
deriving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
discipline
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
discussion
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From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
dreamnounUS /driːm/
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
Durtal
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From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
Durtal's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
empty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
engrafted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
existed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
fabric
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
familiar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
fancy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
fed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
food
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
generalities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
governed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
halfnounUS /half/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
haven
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
House
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
ideal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
indecision
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
instead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
La
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
lay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
leading
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
lingered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
literary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
living
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
mania
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
memoriesnounUS /ˈmɛm.ə.riz/
Recollections of past events.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
mentioning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
mere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
milder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
monastery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
mused
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
namenounUS /name/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
navigable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
OrdernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
persistently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
picture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
pointed
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From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
read
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From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
reality
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
reconsider
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From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
remaining
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From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
retiring
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From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
retreat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
rule
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
Saint
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
sense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
set
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
shape
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
shown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Abbe had, in fact, shown him his bearings, and pointed out a navigable channel leading to a definite end, a haven familiar to all.
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
Solesmes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
speaking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
specifying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
stamp
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
state
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
substantial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
taking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
Trappe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
uncertainty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/
below or beneath something; less than
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
use
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading This discussion had been of use to Durtal; it took him out of the generalities over which he had persistently mused since his arrival at Chartres.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The monastery which had lingered in Durtal's fancy as a mere confused picture, apart from time, without place or date, deriving nothing from his memories of La Trappe but the sense of discipline, and on to which he had at once engrafted the fancy of an abbey of a more literary and artistic stamp, governed by a conciliatory rule, in a milder atmosphere--that ideal retreat, half borrowed from reality and half the fabric of a dream--was taking shape.
wordiness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By speaking of an Order that existed, mentioning it by name and actually specifying a House under its rule, the Abbe had given Durtal substantial food instead of the argumentative wordiness of a mania; he had afforded him something better to chew than the empty air on which he had fed so long.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
works
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The state of uncertainty and indecision he had been living in was at end; his choice now lay between remaining at Chartres or retiring to Solesmes; and at once, without delay, he set to work to read and reconsider the works of Saint Benedict.
