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 In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
accordance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
ago
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
Balzac
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading De Balzac.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
book
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
canonized
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
changed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
Church
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
Cite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
corner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
custom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
De
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading De Balzac.
devotion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
doubly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
emblem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
generation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
guard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
Helene
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading To Helene.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
Imperial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
la
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
launched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
Limoges
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
literary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
living
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
lower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
Madame
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
mariners
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
middle-ages
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
namenounUS /name/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
now
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
ocean
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
perils
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
period
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
placed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
pray
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
protection
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
protectress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
revered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
rue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
sanctified
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
scarcely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
sea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
seen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
shops
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
time-honored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
tiniest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
ToparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading To Helene.
town
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
Vieille-Poste
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In the lower town of Limoges, at the corner of the rue de la Vieille-Poste and the rue de la Cite might have been seen, a generation ago, one of those shops which were scarcely changed from the period of the middle-ages.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading The tiniest boat is not launched upon the sea without the protection of some living emblem or revered name, placed upon it by the mariners.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading In accordance with this time-honored custom, Madame, I pray you to be the protectress of this book now launched upon our literary ocean; and may the Imperial name which the Church has canonized and your devotion has doubly sanctified for me guard it from perils.
