adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
additionnounUS /əˈdɪʃən/
a component that is added to something to improve it
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
afflictedadjectiveUS /əˈflɪktɪd/
grievously affected especially by disease
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
ANdeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
Arezzo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
armsnounUS /ɑːrmz/
weapons considered collectively
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
backsnounUS /bæks/
plural of “back” — the posterior part of a human (or animal) body from the neck to the end of the spine
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
bednounUS /bed/
a piece of furniture that provides a place to sleep
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
Belviso
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
bestnounUS /best/
the supreme effort one can make
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
bratsnounUS /bræts/
plural of “brat” — a very troublesome child
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
breechedadjective
dressed in trousers
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
broodverbUS /bruːd/
think moodily or anxiously about something
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
busyadjectiveUS /ˈbɪzi/
actively or fully engaged or occupied
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
childnounUS /tʃaɪld/
a young person of either sex
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
childrennounUS /ˈtʃɪldrən/
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
cotenounUS /koʊt/
a small shelter for domestic animals (as sheep or pigeons)
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
countrynounUS /ˈkʌntri/
a politically organized body of people under a single government
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
daughternounUS /ˈdɔːtər/
a female human offspring
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
DestituteadjectiveUS /ˈdestətuːt/
poor enough to need help from others
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
discontentnounUS /dɪskənˈtent/
a longing for something better than the present situation
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
discontentedadjectiveUS /ˌdɪskənˈtentɪd/
showing or experiencing dissatisfaction or restless longing
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
engagedadjectiveUS /enˈɡeɪdʒd/
having ones attention or mind or energy engaged
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/
all things; all of a situation
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
familynounUS /ˈfæməli/
a social unit living together
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
farrownounUS /ˈferoʊ/
the production of a litter of pigs
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
fathernounUS /ˈfɑːðər/
a male parent (also used as a term of address to your father)
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
fellverbUS /fel/
cause to fall by or as if by delivering a blow
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/
preceding all others in time or space or degree
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
forcedadjectiveUS /fɔːrst/
produced by or subjected to forcing
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
foundverbUS /faʊnd/
set up or found
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
fournounUS /fɔːr/
the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
fourteennounUS /ˈfɔːrˈtiːn/
the cardinal number that is the sum of thirteen and one
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
Gioconda
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
goatsnounUS /ɡoʊts/
plural of “goat” — any of numerous agile ruminants related to sheep but having a beard and straight horns
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/
having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
greennounUS /ɡriːn/
green color or pigment; resembling the color of growing grass
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
grownadjectiveUS /ɡroʊn/
(of animals) fully developed
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
harderadverbUS /ˈhɑːrdər/
comparative of “hard” — with effort or force or vigor
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
hensnounUS /henz/
plural of “hen” — adult female chicken
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
hiredadjectiveUS /ˈhaɪərd/
having services engaged for a fee
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
hoenounUS /hoʊ/
a tool with a flat blade attached at right angles to a long handle
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
hovelnounUS /ˈhʌvəl/
small crude shelter used as a dwelling
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
indeedadverbUS /ˌɪnˈdiːd/
in truth (often tends to intensify)
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
innumerableadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈnuːmərəbəl/
too numerous to be counted
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
keptadjectiveUS /kept/
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
labournounUS /ˈleɪbər/
a social class comprising those who do manual labor or work for wages
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
ladsnounUS /lædz/
plural of “lad” — a boy or man
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
lessadverbUS /les/
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
LIFTSnounUS /lɪfts/
plural of “lift” — the act of giving temporary assistance
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
liveverbUS /laɪv/
be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
livedverbUS /lɪvd/
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
lotnounUS /lɑːt/
(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
mannounUS /mæn/
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
man'snounUS /mænz/
possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
masternounUS /ˈmæstər/
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
Masuccio
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
MEpronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
MESSENGERnounUS /ˈmesəndʒər/
a person who carries a message
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
mostadverbUS /moʊst/
used to form the superlative
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
nameverbUS /neɪm/
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
NearadverbUS /nɪr/
near in time or place or relationship
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
nearlyadverbUS /ˈnɪrli/
(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
neverthelessadverbUS /ˌnevərðəˈles/
in spite of what has just been said
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
ninenounUS /naɪn/
the cardinal number that is the sum of eight and one
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/
not one thing; not anything
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/
many times at short intervals
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
oldadjectiveUS /oʊld/
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
ourselvespronounUS /aʊərˈselvz/
used when we are both doing the action and receiving it
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
palsynounUS /ˈpɔːlzi/
loss of the ability to move a body part
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
particularadjectiveUS /pərˈtɪkjələr/
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
pastoraladjectiveUS /ˈpæstərəl/
of or relating to a pastor
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
peasantnounUS /ˈpezənt/
a country person
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
piece-work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
pigsnounUS /pɪɡz/
plural of “pig” — domestic swine
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
pigstynounUS /ˈpɪɡstaɪ/
a pen for swine
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
pipenounUS /paɪp/
a tube with a small bowl at one end; used for smoking tobacco
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
placenounUS /pleɪs/
a point located with respect to surface features of some region
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
posedadjectiveUS /poʊzd/
arranged for pictorial purposes
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
roofedadjectiveUS /ruːft/
covered with a roof; having a roof as specified (often used in combination)
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
roomnounUS /ruːm/
an area within a building enclosed by walls and floor and ceiling
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
sayverbUS /seɪ/
express in words
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
semblancenounUS /ˈsembləns/
an outward or token appearance or form that is deliberately misleading
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
shakeverbUS /ʃeɪk/
move or cause to move back and forth
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
Sinalunga
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
sinews
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
situationnounUS /ˌsɪtʃuːˈeɪʃən/
the general state of things; the combination of circumstances at a given time
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
sowverbUS /saʊ/
place (seeds) in or on the ground for future growth
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
stoutadjectiveUS /staʊt/
dependable
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
straiter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
suckverbUS /sʌk/
draw into the mouth by creating a practical vacuum in the mouth
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
thereadverbUS /ðer/
in or at that place or location
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
threenounUS /θriː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one and one
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
UNEXPECTEDadjectiveUS /ˌʌnɪkˈspektɪd/
not expected or anticipated
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
UPadjectiveUS /ʌp/
being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
veritableadjectiveUS /ˈverɪtəbəl/
often used as intensifiers
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
vinesnounUS /vaɪnz/
plural of “vine” — a plant with a weak stem that derives support from climbing, twining, or creeping along a surface
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
virtuenounUS /ˈvɝː.tʃuː/
Moral excellence and goodness of character; the highest human attainment in Stoic philosophy.
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading I cannot say that I was discontented; indeed, I have always found that the harder my labour is and the straiter my lot, the less room I have for discontent.
waynounUS /weɪ/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
weeksnounUS /wiːks/
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Near Sinalunga, in particular, in a green pastoral country, we hired ourselves out to a peasant to hoe his vines, and were busy there for nearly three weeks.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
wholeadjectiveUS /hoʊl/
including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
wife'snounUS /waɪfs/
possessive form of “wife” — a married woman; a man's partner in marriage
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
WithprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading With this peasant, his family, his pigs, hens and goats, Belviso and I lived, in a hovel which, had it not been roofed over, might have been a cote or a pigsty.
workverbUS /wɜːrk/
exert oneself by doing mental or physical work for a purpose or out of necessity
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading AN UNEXPECTED MESSENGER LIFTS ME UP Destitute as we were of anything but the sinews of our backs and arms, we were forced, if we would live, to work our way to Arezzo; and it often fell out that the piece-work we engaged to do kept us long in one place.
yearsnounUS /jɪrz/
a late time of life
From this reading The man's name was Masuccio, his wife's Gioconda; between them they had a brood of nine children--a grown daughter of fourteen, three stout lads, four brats, and a child not breeched; and in addition to all these, and to Belviso and myself, to a sow in farrow, four goats, and hens innumerable, the good man's father was posed as veritable master of the whole--an old man afflicted with palsy, who did nothing but shake and suck at his pipe, but who, nevertheless, had, by virtue of his years and situation, the only semblance of a bed, the first of everything, and the best and the most of that.
