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The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II
The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II

Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

Chapter 8 of The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II is here in full — 409 sentences across 82 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/81 · 5 lines
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Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.
He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.
By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.
His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.
Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II

Chapter VIII · Chapter 8

Chapter 8 of The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II is here in full — 409 sentences across 82 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/81 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.
Line 2
He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.
Line 3
By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.
Line 4
His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.
Line 5
Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.

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.

abatement noun US /əˈbeɪtmənt/

an interruption in the intensity or amount of something

From this reading “His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.”

enforcement noun US /enˈfɔːrsmənt/

the act of enforcing; ensuring observance of or obedience to

From this reading “His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.”

harshness noun US /ˈhɑːrʃnəs/

the roughness of a substance that causes abrasions

From this reading “Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.”

insidious adjective US /ˌɪnˈsɪdiːəs/

beguiling but harmful

From this reading “His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.”

laziness noun US /ˈleɪzinəs/

inactivity resulting from a dislike of work

From this reading “His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.”

petitions noun US /pəˈtɪʃənz/

plural of “petition” — a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority

From this reading “His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.”

representations noun US /ˌreprəzənˈteɪʃənz/

plural of “representation” — a presentation to the mind in the form of an idea or image

From this reading “His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.”

versed noun US /vɜːrst/

an injectable form of benzodiazepine (trade name Versed) useful for sedation and for reducing pain during uncomfortable medical procedures

From this reading “Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.”

All words in this reading · 104

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 Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

abatementnounUS /əˈbeɪtmənt/

an interruption in the intensity or amount of something

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

accommodateverbUS /əˈkɑːmədeɪt/

be agreeable or acceptable to

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

affairsnounUS /əˈferz/

matters of personal concern

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

agenounUS /eɪdʒ/

how long something has existed

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

agreeableadjectiveUS /əˈɡriːəbəl/

conforming to your own liking or feelings or nature

From this reading By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.

alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/

at all times; all the time and on every occasion

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

artsnounUS /ɑːrts/

studies intended to provide general knowledge and intellectual skills (rather than occupational or professional skills)

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

attemptedadjectiveUS /əˈtemptɪd/

tried unsuccessfully

From this reading He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.

banqueted

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

From this reading Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.

bearverbUS /ber/

have

From this reading Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.

becameverbUS /bɪˈkeɪm/

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.

benefactornounUS /ˈbenəfæktər/

a person who helps people or institutions (especially with financial help)

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

capricenounUS /kəˈpriːs/

a sudden desire

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

civilitynounUS /səˈvɪləti/

formal or perfunctory politeness

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

considerverbUS /kənˈsɪdər/

deem to be

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

convincedadjectiveUS /kənˈvɪnst/

persuaded of; very sure

From this reading He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

countenancenounUS /ˈkaʊntənəns/

the appearance conveyed by a person's face

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

dependancenoun

being abnormally tolerant to and dependent on something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming (especially alcohol or narcotic drugs)

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

diligencenounUS /ˈdɪlədʒəns/

conscientiousness in paying proper attention to a task; giving the degree of care required in a given situation

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

doubtedverbUS /ˈdaʊtɪd/

past form of “doubt” — consider unlikely or have doubts about

From this reading He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.

echoverbUS /ˈekoʊ/

to say again or imitate

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

enforcementnounUS /enˈfɔːrsmənt/

the act of enforcing; ensuring observance of or obedience to

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

engrossedadjectiveUS /ɪnˈɡroʊst/

giving or marked by complete attention to

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

entreatverb

ask for or request earnestly

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

favournounUS /ˈfeɪvər/

a feeling of favorable regard

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.

flatterverbUS /ˈflætər/

praise somewhat dishonestly

From this reading He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.

flatterynounUS /ˈflætəri/

excessive or insincere praise

From this reading Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

foundverbUS /faʊnd/

set up or found

From this reading By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.

friendnounUS /frend/

a person you know well and regard with affection and trust

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

gratifiedadjectiveUS /ˈɡrætəfaɪd/

having received what was desired

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.

hardadjectiveUS /hɑːrd/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

harshnessnounUS /ˈhɑːrʃnəs/

the roughness of a substance that causes abrasions

From this reading Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

HepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.

heartnounUS /hɑːrt/

the locus of feelings and intuitions

From this reading By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.

hesitationnounUS /ˌhezəˈteɪʃən/

indecision in speech or action

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.

importantadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɔːrtənt/

of great significance or value

From this reading By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

insidiousadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈsɪdiːəs/

beguiling but harmful

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

insipiditynoun

extreme dullness; lacking spirit or interest

From this reading Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.

intercessions

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

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

lazinessnounUS /ˈleɪzinəs/

inactivity resulting from a dislike of work

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

livedverbUS /lɪvd/

past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

longeradverbUS /ˈlɔːŋɡər/

for more time

From this reading Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.

managementnounUS /ˈmænədʒmənt/

the act of managing something

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

neveradverbUS /ˈnevər/

not ever; at no time in the past or future

From this reading He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.

nowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.

obtainedverbUS /əbˈteɪnd/

past form of “obtain” — come into possession of

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

occasionaladjectiveUS /əˈkeɪʒənəl/

occurring from time to time

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

officesnounUS /ˈɔːfəsəz/

plural of “office” — place of business where professional or clerical duties are performed

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.

opinionnounUS /əˈpɪnjən/

a personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

oppositionnounUS /ˌɑːpəˈzɪʃən/

the action of opposing something that you disapprove or disagree with

From this reading He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

patron's

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

From this reading By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.

persuadedverbUS /pərˈsweɪdɪd/

past form of “persuade” — win approval or support for

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

petitionsnounUS /pəˈtɪʃənz/

plural of “petition” — a formal message requesting something that is submitted to an authority

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

pettyadjectiveUS /ˈpetiː/

inferior in rank or status

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

pleasurenounUS /ˈpleʒər/

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.

practicenounUS /ˈpræktəs/

a customary way of operation or behavior

From this reading By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.

remonstrancenoun

the act of expressing earnest opposition or protest

From this reading Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.

rentverbUS /rent/

let for money

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

representationsnounUS /ˌreprəzənˈteɪʃənz/

plural of “representation” — a presentation to the mind in the form of an idea or image

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

repugnancenoun

intense aversion

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

soonadverbUS /suːn/

in the near future

From this reading By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.

statenounUS /steɪt/

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

tenantsnounUS /ˈtenənts/

plural of “tenant” — someone who pays rent to use land or a building or a car that is owned by someone else

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.

Thrasybulus

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

From this reading He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

truthnounUS /truːθ/

a fact that has been verified

From this reading Thrasybulus had now banqueted on flattery, till he could no longer bear the harshness of remonstrance or the insipidity of truth.

Vafer

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

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

versednounUS /vɜːrst/

an injectable form of benzodiazepine (trade name Versed) useful for sedation and for reducing pain during uncomfortable medical procedures

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

victorynounUS /ˈvɪktəri/

a successful ending of a struggle or contest

From this reading He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading By this practice he found his way into his patron's heart, and, having first made himself agreeable, soon became important.

welladverbUS /wel/

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He never doubted but to be convinced, nor attempted opposition but to flatter Thrasybulus with the pleasure of a victory.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Vafer, having always lived in a state of dependance, was well versed in the arts by which favour is obtained, and could, without repugnance or hesitation, accommodate himself to every caprice, and echo every opinion.

yearsnounUS /jɪrz/

a late time of life

From this reading His insidious diligence, by which the laziness of age was gratified, engrossed the management of affairs; and his petty offices of civility, and occasional intercessions, persuaded the tenants to consider him as their friend and benefactor, and to entreat his enforcement of their representations of hard years, and his countenance to petitions for abatement of rent.

Chapter 8 of The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II by Samuel Johnson holds 409 sentences, grouped into 82 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, 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 8 of The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II contain?

Chapter 8 holds 409 sentences of The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II, unabridged, divided into 82 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 8 of The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II by Samuel Johnson exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 409 sentences, grouped into 82 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.

How do I study chapter 8 of The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II?

Work through the 82 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 82 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

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Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 8 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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Yes. All 4929 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #11397 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

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Project Gutenberg eBook #11397, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

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About 410 minutes of reading across 986 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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Vocabulary met early in The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Johnson's
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Works
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Rambler
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Volumes
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Works of Samuel Johnson, LL.D. in Nine — Volume II; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.