adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading When an author publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his own pleasure.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
AfterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
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 After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading When an author publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his own pleasure.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
AndrewnounUS /ˈændruː/
(New Testament) disciple of Jesus; brother of Peter; patron saint of Scotland
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading For whom, then, are prefaces written?
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
auntsnounUS /ænts/
plural of “aunt” — the sister of your father or mother; the wife of your uncle
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
authornounUS /ˈɔːθər/
writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading When an author publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his own pleasure.
authorsnounUS /ˈɔːθərz/
plural of “author” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
betteradjectiveUS /ˈbetər/
(comparative of “good”) superior to another (of the same class or set or kind) in excellence or quality or desirability or suitability; more highly skilled than another
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
BooknounUS /bʊk/
a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
booksnounUS /bʊks/
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
childrennounUS /ˈtʃɪldrən/
plural of “child” — a young person of either sex
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
cousines
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
cousinsnounUS /ˈkʌzənz/
plural of “cousin” — the child of your aunt or uncle
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
criticsnounUS /ˈkrɪtɪks/
plural of “critic” — a person who is professionally engaged in the analysis and interpretation of works of art
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
daughtersnounUS /ˈdɔːtərz/
plural of “daughter” — a female human offspring
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
EditedadjectiveUS /ˈedətəd/
improved or corrected by critical editing
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
enableverbUS /eˈneɪbəl/
render capable or able for some task
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/
apart from; not including
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
FairynounUS /ˈferi/
a small being, human in form, playful and having magical powers
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
findverbUS /faɪnd/
come upon, as if by accident; meet with
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading For whom, then, are prefaces written?
giveverbUS /ɡɪv/
cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading When an author publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his own pleasure.
headnounUS /hed/
the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains
From this reading When an author publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his own pleasure.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading When an author publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his own pleasure.
hopenounUS /hoʊp/
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
Lang
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
leaveverbUS /liːv/
go away from a place
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
makeverbUS /meɪk/
engage in
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
meansnounUS /miːnz/
thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
mildlyadverbUS /ˈmaɪldli/
to a moderate degree
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
n'snounUS /enz/
possessive form of “n” — a common nonmetallic element that is normally a colorless odorless tasteless inert diatomic gas; constitutes 78 percent of the atmosphere by volume; a constituent of all living tissues
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
namesnounUS /neɪmz/
verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
niecesnounUS /ˈniːsɪz/
plural of “niece” — a daughter of your brother or sister
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
nobodypronounUS /ˈnoʊbɑːdiː/
no person; not anyone
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading When an author publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his own pleasure.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
OrangenounUS /ˈɔːrəndʒ/
round yellow to orange fruit of any of several citrus trees
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/
not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
outadjectiveUS /aʊt/
not allowed to continue to bat or run
From this reading When an author publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his own pleasure.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
ownverbUS /oʊn/
have ownership or possession of
From this reading When an author publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his own pleasure.
parentsnounUS /ˈperənts/
plural of “parent” — a father or mother; one who begets or one who gives birth to or nurtures and raises a child; a relative who plays the role of guardian
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
perhapsadverbUS /pərˈhæps/
by chance
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
pleasurenounUS /ˈpleʒər/
a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience
From this reading When an author publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his own pleasure.
prefacenounUS /ˈprefəs/
a short introductory essay preceding the text of a book
From this reading When an author publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his own pleasure.
prefaces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
printnounUS /prɪnt/
the text appearing in a book, newspaper, or other printed publication
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
printedverbUS /ˈprɪntɪd/
past form of “print” — put into print
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
properadjectiveUS /ˈprɑːpər/
marked by suitability or rightness or appropriateness
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
proveverbUS /pruːv/
be shown or be found to be
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
publishesverbUS /ˈpʌblɪʃəz/
third-person singular of “publish” — put into print
From this reading When an author publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his own pleasure.
readverbUS /red/
interpret something that is written or printed
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
readingnounUS /ˈriːdɪŋ/
the cognitive process of understanding a written linguistic message
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
readsnounUS /riːdz/
plural of “read” — something that is read
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
saysnounUS /sez/
plural of “say” — the chance to speak
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
sureadjectiveUS /ʃʊr/
having or feeling no doubt or uncertainty; confident and assured
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
thenadverbUS /ðen/
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading For whom, then, are prefaces written?
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
thinksnounUS /θɪŋks/
plural of “think” — an instance of deliberate thinking
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
u'snounUS /juːz/
possessive form of “u” — a base containing nitrogen that is found in RNA (but not in DNA) and derived from pyrimidine; pairs with adenine
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
unclesnounUS /ˈʌŋkəlz/
plural of “uncle” — the brother of your father or mother; the husband of your aunt
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
unreadadjectiveUS /ənˈred/
not informed through reading
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When an author publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his own pleasure.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading The Orange Fairy Book Edited by Andrew Lang The children who read fairy books, or have fairy books read to them, do not read prefaces, and the parents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, who give fairy books to their daughters, nieces, and cousines, leave prefaces unread.
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading For whom, then, are prefaces written?
whynounUS /waɪ/
the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”
From this reading After reading over his book in print--to make sure that all the 'u's' are not printed as 'n's,' and all the 'n's' as 'u's' in the proper names--then the author says, mildly, in his preface, what he thinks about his own book, and what he means it to prove--if he means it to prove anything--and why it is not a better book than it is.
willmodal verbUS /wɪl/
used to talk about the future, or about willingness
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading But, perhaps, nobody reads prefaces except other authors; and critics, who hope that they will find enough in the preface to enable them to do without reading any of the book.
writesverbUS /raɪts/
third-person singular of “write” — produce a literary work
From this reading When an author publishes a book 'out of his own head,' he writes the preface for his own pleasure.
writtenadjectiveUS /ˈrɪtən/
set down in writing in any of various ways
From this reading For whom, then, are prefaces written?
