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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
accustomed
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From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
address
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From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
all
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From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
amauxiliary verbUS /æm/
the form of “be” used with “I”
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
apologetic
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From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
appeal
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From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
Author
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From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
Author's
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From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
average
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From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
become
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From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
begin
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From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
book
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
civil
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From this reading It was a civil phrase, involving a pretty piece of flattery.
conciliatory
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From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
congested
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From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
courtesy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
criticism
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From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
days
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From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
delicate
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From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
earlier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
effort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
favourable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
feelings
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
finished
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
flattery
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From this reading It was a civil phrase, involving a pretty piece of flattery.
friendly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
friends
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From this reading “Gentle Reader,” therefore, I pray you to be friends with me!
generously
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From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
Gentle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
grand
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
halfnounUS /half/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
implied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
incredible
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From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
intelligence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
involving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a civil phrase, involving a pretty piece of flattery.
irritate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a civil phrase, involving a pretty piece of flattery.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
likely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
literary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
manner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading “Gentle Reader,” therefore, I pray you to be friends with me!
merely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
narrative
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
Now
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From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
old-fashioned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
Once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
perhaps
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
person
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From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
persuade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
phrase
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From this reading It was a civil phrase, involving a pretty piece of flattery.
piece
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a civil phrase, involving a pretty piece of flattery.
points
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
politely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
postponed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
pray
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From this reading “Gentle Reader,” therefore, I pray you to be friends with me!
predecessors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
prepare
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
pretty
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From this reading It was a civil phrase, involving a pretty piece of flattery.
Public
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
Reader
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
Reader's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
reading
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From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
regard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
relate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
reverse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
secondly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
smooth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
sought
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
thereforeadverbUS /ˈðerfɔːr/
for that reason; as a result
From this reading “Gentle Reader,” therefore, I pray you to be friends with me!
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
thirdly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
tillprepositionUS /tɪl/
up to a particular time
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
understanding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Once upon a time, in earlier and less congested days of literary effort, an Author was accustomed to address the Public as “Gentle Reader.”
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
well
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
wish
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It implied three things: first, that if the Reader were not “gentle,” the Author’s courtesy might persuade him or her to become so--secondly, that criticism, whether favourable or the reverse, might perhaps be generously postponed till the reading of the book was finished,--and thirdly, that the Author had no wish to irritate the Reader’s feelings, but rather sought to prepare and smooth the way to a friendly understanding.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Now I am at one with my predecessors in all these delicate points of understanding, and as I am about to relate what every person of merely average intelligence is likely to regard as an incredible narrative, I think it as well to begin politely, in the old-fashioned “grand” manner of appeal, which is half apologetic, and half conciliatory.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading “Gentle Reader,” therefore, I pray you to be friends with me!
