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The Professor at the Breakfast-Table
The Professor at the Breakfast-Table

Chapter XII · Chapter 12

Chapter 12 of The Professor at the Breakfast-Table is here in full — 137 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/27 · 5 lines
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--How do I know that?
Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.
Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.
It is in their hearts that the sentimental religion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.
The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the sentiments that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Professor at the Breakfast-Table

Chapter XII · Chapter 12

Chapter 12 of The Professor at the Breakfast-Table is here in full — 137 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/27 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
--How do I know that?
Line 2
Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.
/waɪ aɪ hæv noʊn ənd lʌvd tuː tɔːk wɪð ɡʊd ˈpiːpəl ɔːl ðə weɪ frʌm roʊm tuː dʒəˈniːvə ɪn ˈdɑːktrən æz lɔːŋ æz aɪ kæn rɪˈmɛm.bər/
Line 3
Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.
Line 4
It is in their hearts that thesentimentalreligion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.
/ɪt ɪz ɪn ðer hɑːrts ðæt ðə ˌsentəˈmentəl rɪˈlɪdʒən sʌm ˈpiːpəl ɑːr soʊ fɑːnd ʌv ˈsnɪrɪŋ æt hæz ɪts sɔːrs/
Line 5
The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are thesentimentsthat have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

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

enhanced adjective US /enˈhænst/

increased or intensified in value or beauty or quality

From this reading “The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.”

Geneva noun US /dʒəˈniːvə/

a city in southwestern Switzerland at the western end of Lake Geneva; it is the headquarters of various international organizations

From this reading “Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.”

maternity noun US /məˈtɜːrnɪti/

the state of being pregnant; the period from conception to birth when a woman carries a developing fetus in her uterus

From this reading “The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.”

paramount adjective US /ˈperəmaʊnt/

having superior power and influence

From this reading “The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.”

Saba noun US /ˈsɑːbə/

a island in the Netherlands Antilles that is the top of an extinct volcano

From this reading “The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.”

sneering adjective US /ˈsnɪrɪŋ/

expressive of contempt

From this reading “It is in their hearts that the “sentimental” religion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.”

soulless adjective US /ˈsoʊlləs/

lacking sensitivity or the capacity for deep feeling

From this reading “The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.”

systems noun US /ˈsɪstəmz/

plural of “system” — instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading “The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.”

All words in this reading · 106

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

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 Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading It is in their hearts that the “sentimental” religion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading It is in their hearts that the “sentimental” religion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.

BesidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

bosoms

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

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

calledverbUS /kɔːld/

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

carryverbUS /ˈkæri/

move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

childnounUS /tʃaɪld/

a young person of either sex

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

comesnounUS /kʌmz/

plural of “come” — the thick white fluid containing spermatozoa that is ejaculated by the male genital tract

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

delusionnounUS /dɪˈluːʒən/

(psychology) an erroneous belief that is held in the face of evidence to the contrary

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

dieverbUS /daɪ/

pass from physical life and lose all bodily attributes and functions necessary to sustain life

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading --How do I know that?

doctrinenounUS /ˈdɑːktrən/

a belief (or system of beliefs) accepted as authoritative by some group or school

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

drivingadjectiveUS /ˈdraɪvɪŋ/

having the power of driving or impelling

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

enhancedadjectiveUS /enˈhænst/

increased or intensified in value or beauty or quality

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

existencenounUS /eɡˈzɪstəns/

the state or fact of existing

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

falsely-interpreted

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

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

fondadjectiveUS /fɑːnd/

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading It is in their hearts that the “sentimental” religion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

GenevanounUS /dʒəˈniːvə/

a city in southwestern Switzerland at the western end of Lake Geneva; it is the headquarters of various international organizations

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

goodadjectiveUS /ɡʊd/

having desirable or positive qualities especially those suitable for a thing specified

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading It is in their hearts that the “sentimental” religion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

heartsnounUS /hɑːrts/

a form of whist in which players avoid winning tricks containing hearts or the queen of spades

From this reading It is in their hearts that the “sentimental” religion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.

hillnounUS /hɪl/

a local and well-defined elevation of the land

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

holesnounUS /hoʊlz/

plural of “hole” — an opening into or through something

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

How

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

From this reading --How do I know that?

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading --How do I know that?

ignorancenounUS /ˈɪɡnərəns/

the lack of knowledge or education

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading It is in their hearts that the “sentimental” religion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is in their hearts that the “sentimental” religion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading It is in their hearts that the “sentimental” religion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.

justadverbUS /dʒʌst/

and nothing more

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

keptadjectiveUS /kept/

(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

keynounUS /kiː/

metal device shaped in such a way that when it is inserted into the appropriate lock the lock's mechanism can be rotated

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

knowverbUS /noʊ/

be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading --How do I know that?

knowledgenounUS /ˈnɑːlədʒ/

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/

apprehended with certainty

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

longadjectiveUS /lɔːŋ/

primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

lovenounUS /lʌv/

a strong positive emotion of regard and affection

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

lovedadjectiveUS /lʌvd/

held dear

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

maternitynounUS /məˈtɜːrnɪti/

the state of being pregnant; the period from conception to birth when a woman carries a developing fetus in her uterus

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

mennounUS /men/

the force of workers available

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

miserableadjectiveUS /ˈmɪzərəbəl/

very unhappy; full of misery

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

MonasterynounUS /ˈmɑːnəsteri/

the residence of a religious community

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

mothersnounUS /ˈmʌðərz/

plural of “mother” — a woman who has given birth to a child (also used as a term of address to your mother)

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

obligationnounUS /ˌɑːbləˈɡeɪʃən/

the social force that binds you to the courses of action demanded by that force

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

offadverbUS /ɔːf/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

oppositeadjectiveUS /ˈɑːpəzət/

being directly across from each other; facing

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

paramountadjectiveUS /ˈperəmaʊnt/

having superior power and influence

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

parentnounUS /ˈperənt/

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 sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

powernounUS /ˈpaʊər/

possession of controlling influence

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

proportionnounUS /prəˈpɔːrʃən/

the quotient obtained when the magnitude of a part is divided by the magnitude of the whole

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

realadjectiveUS /riːl/

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

religionnounUS /rɪˈlɪdʒən/

a strong belief in a supernatural power or powers that control human destiny

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

rememberverbUS /rɪˈmɛm.bər/

To recall to mind.

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

riddleverbUS /ˈrɪdəl/

pierce with many holes

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

RomenounUS /roʊm/

capital and largest city of Italy; on the Tiber; seat of the Roman Catholic Church; formerly the capital of the Roman Republic and the Roman Empire

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

SabanounUS /ˈsɑːbə/

a island in the Netherlands Antilles that is the top of an extinct volcano

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

sentimentnounUS /ˈsentəmənt/

tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

sentimentaladjectiveUS /ˌsentəˈmentəl/

given to or marked by sentiment or sentimentality

From this reading It is in their hearts that the “sentimental” religion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.

sentimentsnounUS /ˈsentəmənts/

plural of “sentiment” — tender, romantic, or nostalgic feeling or emotion

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

sidesnounUS /saɪdz/

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

sneeringadjectiveUS /ˈsnɪrɪŋ/

expressive of contempt

From this reading It is in their hearts that the “sentimental” religion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading It is in their hearts that the “sentimental” religion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading It is in their hearts that the “sentimental” religion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.

soullessadjectiveUS /ˈsoʊlləs/

lacking sensitivity or the capacity for deep feeling

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

soulsnounUS /soʊlz/

plural of “soul” — the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

sourcenounUS /sɔːrs/

the place where something begins, where it springs into being

From this reading It is in their hearts that the “sentimental” religion some people are so fond of sneering at has its source.

St

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

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

starvedadjectiveUS /stɑːrvd/

suffering from lack of food

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

systemsnounUS /ˈsɪstəmz/

plural of “system” — instrumentality that combines interrelated interacting artifacts designed to work as a coherent entity

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

talkverbUS /tɔːk/

exchange thoughts; talk with

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading --How do I know that?

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

victimsnounUS /ˈvɪktəmz/

plural of “victim” — an unfortunate person who suffers from some adverse circumstance

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

weaknessnounUS /ˈwiːknəs/

a flaw or weak point

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

WhynounUS /waɪ/

the cause or intention underlying an action or situation, especially in the phrase “the whys and wherefores”

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading Why, I have known and loved to talk with good people, all the way from Rome to Geneva in doctrine, as long as I can remember.

witheredadjectiveUS /ˈwɪðərd/

lean and wrinkled by shrinkage as from age or illness

From this reading The sentiment of love, the sentiment of maternity, the sentiment of the paramount obligation of the parent to the child as having called it into existence, enhanced just in proportion to the power and knowledge of the one and the weakness and ignorance of the other,--these are the “sentiments” that have kept our soulless systems from driving men off to die in holes like those that riddle the sides of the hill opposite the Monastery of St. Saba, where the miserable victims of a falsely-interpreted religion starved and withered in their delusion.

womennounUS /ˈwɪmən/

plural of “woman” — an adult female person (as opposed to a man)

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

worldnounUS /wɜːrld/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading Besides, the real religion of the world comes from women much more than from men,--from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.

Chapter 12 of The Professor at the Breakfast-Table by Oliver Wendell Holmes holds 137 sentences, grouped into 28 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the public-domain source, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 12 of The Professor at the Breakfast-Table contain?

Chapter 12 holds 137 sentences of The Professor at the Breakfast-Table, unabridged, divided into 28 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 12 of The Professor at the Breakfast-Table by Oliver Wendell Holmes exactly as it stands in the public-domain source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 137 sentences, grouped into 28 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

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Work through the 28 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

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Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 12 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

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About 312 minutes of reading across 749 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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Vocabulary met early in The Professor at the Breakfast-Table

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Professor at the Breakfast-Table, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Reader
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Professor at the Breakfast-Table; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
To-day
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Professor at the Breakfast-Table; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Forget
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Professor at the Breakfast-Table; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Trust
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Professor at the Breakfast-Table; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.