AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
affordverbUS /əˈfɔːrd/
be able to spare or give up
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
aidnounUS /eɪd/
a person or thing that is a resource that helps make something easier or possible to do
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
aloneadjectiveUS /əˈloʊn/
Having no one else present.
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
alsoadverbUS /ˈɔːlsoʊ/
in addition
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
apparentlyadverbUS /əˈperəntli/
from appearances alone
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
apprenticenounUS /əˈprentəs/
works for an expert to learn a trade
From this reading The story begins when the young man of twenty was laboring patiently as apprentice to a watchmaker.]
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
assented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
attractiveadjectiveUS /əˈtræktɪv/
pleasing to the eye or mind especially through beauty or charm
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
beginsnounUS /bɪˈɡɪnz/
plural of “begin” — Israeli statesman (born in Russia) who (as prime minister of Israel) negotiated a peace treaty with Anwar Sadat (then the president of Egypt) (1913-1992)
From this reading The story begins when the young man of twenty was laboring patiently as apprentice to a watchmaker.]
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
calledverbUS /kɔːld/
past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
circumstancenounUS /ˈsɜːrkəmstæns/
a condition that accompanies or influences some event or activity
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
clockmaking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
ConfessionsnounUS /kənˈfeʃənz/
plural of “confession” — an admission of misdeeds or faults
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
Conjurer's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
couragenounUS /ˈkɜːrədʒ/
a quality of spirit that enables you to face danger or pain without showing fear
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
decidedadjectiveUS /ˌdɪˈsaɪdɪd/
recognizable; marked
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
devotingverbUS /dɪˈvoʊtɪŋ/
-ing form of “devote” — give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
dexteritynounUS /dekˈsterəti/
adroitness in using the hands
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
difficuity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
eminentadjectiveUS /ˈemənənt/
standing above others in quality or position
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
entireadjectiveUS /ɪnˈtaɪər/
constituting the full quantity or extent; complete
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
exactlyadverbUS /ɪɡˈzæktli/
indicating exactness or preciseness
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
explainverbUS /ɪkˈspleɪn/
make plain and comprehensible
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
famousadjectiveUS /ˈfeɪməs/
widely known and esteemed
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
fancifuladjectiveUS /ˈfænsɪfəl/
indulging in or influenced by fancy
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
fieldnounUS /fiːld/
a piece of land cleared of trees and usually enclosed
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
finallyadverbUS /ˈfaɪnəli/
after an unspecified period of time or an especially long delay
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
followingadjectiveUS /ˈfɑːloʊɪŋ/
about to be mentioned or specified
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
FrenchmannounUS /ˈfrentʃmæn/
a person of French nationality
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
futureadjectiveUS /ˈfjuːtʃər/
yet to be or coming
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
generaladjectiveUS /ˈdʒenərəl/
applying to all or most members of a category or group
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
gladlyadverbUS /ˈɡlædli/
in a willing manner
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
governmentnounUS /ˈɡʌvərmənt/
the organization that is the governing authority of a political unit
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
helpverbUS /help/
give help or assistance; be of service
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
highadjectiveUS /haɪ/
greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
hungverbUS /hʌŋ/
inflected form of “hang” — be suspended or hanging
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
ideasnounUS /aɪˈdiːəz/
plural of “idea” — the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
incredibleadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈkredəbəl/
beyond belief or understanding
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
ingenuitynounUS /ˌɪndʒəˈnuːətiː/
the power of creative imagination
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
inventiveadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈventɪv/
(used of persons or artifacts) marked by independence and creativity in thought or action
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
laboringadjectiveUS /ˈleɪbərɪŋ/
doing arduous or unpleasant work
From this reading The story begins when the young man of twenty was laboring patiently as apprentice to a watchmaker.]
lifenounUS /laɪf/
a characteristic state or mode of living
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
MnounUS /em/
the basic unit of length adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites (approximately 1.094 yards)
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
magicnounUS /ˈmædʒɪk/
any art that invokes supernatural powers
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
mannounUS /mæn/
an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)
From this reading The story begins when the young man of twenty was laboring patiently as apprentice to a watchmaker.]
masternounUS /ˈmæstər/
an artist of consummate skill
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
mechanicsnounUS /məˈkænɪks/
the branch of physics concerned with the motion of bodies in a frame of reference
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
MemoirsnounUS /ˈmemwɑːrz/
plural of “memoir” — an account of the author's personal experiences
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
moraladjectiveUS /ˈmɔːrəl/
concerned with principles of right and wrong or conforming to standards of behavior and character based on those principles
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
mostadverbUS /moʊst/
used to form the superlative
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
mysteriesnounUS /ˈmɪstəriz/
plural of “mystery” — something that baffles understanding and cannot be explained
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
mysteriousadjectiveUS /mɪˈstɪriəs/
of an obscure nature
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/
and nothing more
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/
(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
pagesnounUS /ˈpeɪdʒəz/
plural of “page” — one side of one leaf (of a book or magazine or newspaper or letter etc.) or the written or pictorial matter it contains
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
particularadjectiveUS /pərˈtɪkjələr/
unique or specific to a person or thing or category
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
passionatelyadverbUS /ˈpæʃənətli/
with passion
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
patientlyadverbUS /ˈpeɪʃəntli/
with patience; in a patient manner
From this reading The story begins when the young man of twenty was laboring patiently as apprentice to a watchmaker.]
performancesnounUS /pərˈfɔːrmənsəz/
plural of “performance” — a dramatic or musical entertainment
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
practicedadjectiveUS /ˈpræktəst/
having or showing knowledge and skill and aptitude
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
progressnounUS /ˈprɑːɡres/
gradual improvement or growth or development
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
proveverbUS /pruːv/
be shown or be found to be
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
readernounUS /ˈriːdər/
a person who enjoys reading
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
recommendedverbUS /ˌrekəˈmendɪd/
past form of “recommend” — push for something
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
relaxationnounUS /ˌriːlækˈseɪʃən/
(physiology) the gradual lengthening of inactive muscle or muscle fibers
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
resourcesnounUS /ˈriːsɔːrsɪz/
plural of “resource” — available source of wealth; a new or reserve supply that can be drawn upon when needed
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
revealingadjectiveUS /rɪˈviːlɪŋ/
disclosing unintentionally something concealed
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
revolutionizedverbUS /ˌrevəˈluːʃənaɪzd/
past form of “revolutionize” — change radically
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
Robert-Houdin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
SELF-TRAINING
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
simpleadjectiveUS /ˈsɪmpəl/
having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
Sleight-of-hand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
someadjectiveUS /sʌm/
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
storynounUS /ˈstɔːri/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading The story begins when the young man of twenty was laboring patiently as apprentice to a watchmaker.]
studynounUS /ˈstʌdi/
a detailed critical inspection
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
successnounUS /səkˈses/
an event that accomplishes its intended purpose
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
suddenlyadverbUS /ˈsʌdənli/
happening unexpectedly
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
suitedadjectiveUS /ˈsuːtɪd/
meant or adapted for an occasion or use
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
tasteverbUS /teɪst/
To perceive flavor through the mouth.
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
theoriesnounUS /ˈθɪriz/
plural of “theory” — a well-substantiated explanation of some aspect of the natural world; an organized system of accepted knowledge that applies in a variety of circumstances to explain a specific set of phenomena
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
treatisesnounUS /ˈtriːtəsəz/
plural of “treatise” — a formal exposition
From this reading In order to aid my progress and afford me relaxation, my master recommended me to study some treatises on mechanics in general, and on clockmaking in particular.
twentynounUS /ˈtwenti/
the cardinal number that is the sum of nineteen and one
From this reading The story begins when the young man of twenty was laboring patiently as apprentice to a watchmaker.]
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
vastadjectiveUS /væst/
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
vocationnounUS /voʊˈkeɪʃən/
the particular occupation for which you are trained
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
watchmakernoun
someone who makes or repairs watches
From this reading The story begins when the young man of twenty was laboring patiently as apprentice to a watchmaker.]
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The story begins when the young man of twenty was laboring patiently as apprentice to a watchmaker.]
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading M. Robert-Houdin A Conjurer's Confessions I SELF-TRAINING [Sleight-of-hand theories alone cannot explain the mysteries of "magic" as practiced by that eminent Frenchman who revolutionized the entire art, and who was finally called upon to help his government out of a difficuity--Robert-Houdin.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading As this suited my taste exactly, I gladly assented, and I was devoting myself passionately to this attractive study, when a circumstance, apparently most simple, suddenly decided my future life by revealing to me a vocation whose mysterious resources must open a vast field for my inventive and fanciful ideas.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading The success of his most famous performances hung not only on an incredible dexterity, but also on high ingenuity and moral courage, as the following pages from his "Memoirs" will prove to the reader.
youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/
(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth
From this reading The story begins when the young man of twenty was laboring patiently as apprentice to a watchmaker.]
