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The Old Wives' Tale
The Old Wives' Tale

Chapter XVIII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/100 · 5 lines
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A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.
The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Old Wives' Tale

Chapter XVIII

Reading 1/100 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.
Line 2
It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.
Line 3
The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.
Line 4
In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.
Line 5
Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.

Learner Dictionary

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

Alone noun US /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.”

Fortune noun US /ˈfortune/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.”

Look noun US /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.”

Mind noun US /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.”

Quite noun US /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.”

Remarkable noun US /ˈremarkable/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.”

Whereas conjunction US /weˈræz/

in contrast with the fact that

From this reading “The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.”

Yet conjunction US /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading “Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.”

All words in this reading · 89

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

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

alonenounUS /alone/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

bills

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

From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

continually

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

From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.

CRISIS

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

day

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

From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.

devoted

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

From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.

disappear

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

From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.

disturbing

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

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

existed

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

fact

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

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

fascinated

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

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

FORprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

fortunenounUS /ˈfortune/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.

gaze

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

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

GERALD

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

getting

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

From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.

hotel

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

From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.

hundred

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

From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

impossible

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

From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

infinity

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

insensible

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

interest

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

From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

less

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

From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.

lived

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

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

longer

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

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

looknounUS /look/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

magical

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

meant

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

From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.

mindnounUS /mind/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

minds

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

morbidly

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

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

more

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

From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.

notion

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.

paid

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

From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.

phenomena

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

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

pleasure

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

From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.

possessed

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

pounds

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

process

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

properties

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

quitenounUS /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.

remarkablenounUS /ˈremarkable/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

rendered

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

represented

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.

six

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

From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.

Sophia

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

Sophia's

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

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

special

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

spend

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

From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.

subtraction

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

sum

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

there

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

thousand

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

travel

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

From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.

twelve

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

two

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

From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.

ultimately

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

From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

wealth

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

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

whereasconjunctionUS /weˈræz/

in contrast with the fact that

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading A CRISIS FOR GERALD I For a time there existed in the minds of both Gerald and Sophia the remarkable notion that twelve thousand pounds represented the infinity of wealth, that this sum possessed special magical properties which rendered it insensible to the process of subtraction.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading It seemed impossible that twelve thousand pounds, while continually getting less, could ultimately quite disappear.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading The notion lived longer in the mind of Gerald than in that of Sophia; for Gerald would never look at a disturbing fact, whereas Sophia's gaze was morbidly fascinated by such phenomena.

year

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

From this reading In a life devoted to travel and pleasure Gerald meant not to spend more than six hundred a year, the interest on his fortune.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading Six hundred a year is less than two pounds a day, yet Gerald never paid less than two pounds a day in hotel bills alone.