adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
acquaintancenounUS /əˈkweɪntəns/
personal knowledge or information about someone or something
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
afterwardadverbUS /ˈæftərwərd/
happening at a time subsequent to a reference time
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/
(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
alwaysadverbUS /ˈɔːlweɪz/
at all times; all the time and on every occasion
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
ArabiannounUS /əˈreɪbiən/
a member of a Semitic people originally from the Arabian peninsula and surrounding territories who speaks Arabic and who inhabits much of the Middle East and northern Africa
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
awenounUS /ɑː/
an overwhelming feeling of wonder or admiration
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
bandnounUS /bænd/
an unofficial association of people or groups
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
blackadjectiveUS /blæk/
being of the achromatic color of maximum darkness; having little or no hue owing to absorption of almost all incident light
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
boardnounUS /bɔːrd/
a committee having supervisory powers
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
boxnounUS /bɑːks/
a (usually rectangular) container; may have a lid
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
breathlessadjectiveUS /ˈbreθləs/
not breathing or able to breathe except with difficulty
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
cafenounUS /kəˈfeɪ/
a small restaurant where drinks and snacks are sold
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
caredverbUS /kerd/
past form of “care” — feel concern or interest
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
carriagenounUS /ˈkærɪdʒ/
a railcar where passengers ride
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
chronicledverbUS /ˈkrɑːnɪkəld/
past form of “chronicle” — record in chronological order; make a historical record
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
coloredadjectiveUS /ˈkʌlərd/
having color or a certain color; sometimes used in combination
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
cornernounUS /ˈkɔːrnər/
a place off to the side of an area
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
costlyadjectiveUS /ˈkɑːstli/
entailing great loss or sacrifice
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
customnounUS /ˈkʌstəm/
accepted or habitual practice
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
daintyadjectiveUS /ˈdeɪnti/
delicately beautiful
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
discoursed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
discreetadjectiveUS /dɪˈskriːt/
marked by prudence or modesty and wise self-restraint
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
distinctionnounUS /dɪˈstɪŋkʃən/
a discrimination between things as different and distinct on the basis of their characteristics or attributes
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
doingsnounUS /ˈduːɪŋz/
manner of acting or controlling yourself
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
douceurs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
drawnadjectiveUS /drɔːn/
showing the wearing effects of overwork or care or suffering
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/
all through a period, or at some point within it
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
eagerlyadverbUS /ˈiːɡərli/
with eagerness; in an eager manner
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
ebonynounUS /ˈebəni/
a very dark black
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
elegantadjectiveUS /ˈeləɡənt/
refined and tasteful in appearance or behavior or style
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
emptiedverbUS /ˈemptid/
inflected form of “empty” — make void or empty of contents
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
enoughnounUS /ɪˈnʌf/
an adequate quantity; a quantity that is large enough to achieve a purpose
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
equipagenoun
equipment and supplies of a military force
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
establishedadjectiveUS /ɪˈstæblɪʃt/
brought about or set up or accepted; especially long established
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
everybodypronounUS /ˈevribɑːdi/
every person
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
everywhereadverbUS /ˈevriwer/
to or in any or all places
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
familiesnounUS /ˈfæməliz/
plural of “family” — a social unit living together
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
fashionableadjectiveUS /ˈfæʃənəbəl/
being or in accordance with current social fashions
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
fittingsnounUS /ˈfɪtɪŋz/
plural of “fitting” — making or becoming suitable; adjusting to circumstances
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
flewverbUS /fluː/
inflected form of “fly” — travel through the air; be airborne
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
friendshipnounUS /ˈfrendʃɪp/
the state of being friends (or friendly)
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
furnishedadjectiveUS /ˈfɜːrnɪʃt/
provided with whatever is necessary for a purpose (as furniture or equipment or authority)
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
gaveverbUS /ɡeɪv/
inflected form of “give” — cause to have, in the abstract sense or physical sense
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
generositynounUS /ˌdʒenərˈɑːsəti/
the trait of being willing to give your money or time
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/
relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
highlyadverbUS /ˈhaɪli/
to a high degree or extent; favorably or with much respect
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
honestadjectiveUS /ˈɑːnəst/
not disposed to cheat or defraud; not deceptive or fraudulent
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
hopenounUS /hoʊp/
a specific instance of feeling hopeful
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
hornnounUS /hɔːrn/
a noisemaker (as at parties or games) that makes a loud noise when you blow through it
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
immenseadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmens/
unusually great in size or amount or degree or especially extent or scope
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
instrumentsnounUS /ˈɪnstrəmənts/
plural of “instrument” — a device that requires skill for proper use
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
intellectnounUS /ˈɪntəlekt/
knowledge and intellectual ability
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
intrinsicadjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtrɪnsɪk/
belonging to a thing by its very nature
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
keptadjectiveUS /kept/
(especially of promises or contracts) not violated or disregarded
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
kindadjectiveUS /kaɪnd/
having or showing a tender and considerate and helpful nature; used especially of persons and their behavior
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
knewverbUS /nuː/
inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
knowingadjectiveUS /ˈnoʊɪŋ/
evidencing the possession of inside information
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
lavishadjectiveUS /ˈlævɪʃ/
very generous
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
linedadjectiveUS /laɪnd/
bordered by a line of things
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/
limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
livedverbUS /lɪvd/
past form of “live” — be an inhabitant of or reside in
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
luxuriousnessnoun
wealth as evidenced by sumptuous living
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
luxurynounUS /ˈlʌɡʒəri/
something that is an indulgence rather than a necessity
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
mannernounUS /ˈmænər/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
maresnounUS /merz/
plural of “mare” — female equine animal
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
measuredadjectiveUS /ˈmeʒərd/
having notes of fixed rhythmic value
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
monthnounUS /mʌnθ/
one of the twelve divisions of the calendar year
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
moonnounUS /muːn/
the natural satellite of the Earth
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
mostadverbUS /moʊst/
used to form the superlative
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
mouthnounUS /maʊθ/
the opening through which food is taken in and vocalizations emerge
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
musicnounUS /ˈmjuːzɪk/
an artistic form of auditory communication incorporating instrumental or vocal tones in a structured and continuous manner
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/
used when the speaker is also the object of the action
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
nameverbUS /neɪm/
assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
NaplesnounUS /ˈneɪpəlz/
a port and tourist center in southwestern Italy; capital of the Campania region
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
newspapersnounUS /ˈnuːzpeɪpərz/
plural of “newspaper” — a daily or weekly publication on folded sheets; contains news and articles and advertisements
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
NodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
numerousadjectiveUS /ˈnuːmərəs/
amounting to a large indefinite number
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
obtainverbUS /əbˈteɪn/
come into possession of
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
operanounUS /ˈɑːprə/
a drama set to music; consists of singing with orchestral accompaniment and an orchestral overture and interludes
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
pairnounUS /per/
a set of two similar things considered as a unit
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
passedverbUS /pæst/
past form of “pass” — go across or through
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
personagenoun
another word for person; a person not meriting identification
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
personaladjectiveUS /ˈpɜːrsɪnəl/
concerning or affecting a particular person or his or her private life and personality
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
pocketedverbUS /ˈpɑːkətɪd/
past form of “pocket” — put in one's pocket
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
polishedadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːlɪʃt/
perfected or made shiny and smooth
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
radiancenounUS /ˈreɪdiːəns/
the amount of electromagnetic radiation leaving or arriving at a point on a surface
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
repeatedadjectiveUS /rɪˈpiːtɪd/
recurring again and again
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
reportsnounUS /rɪˈpɔːrts/
plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
reservedadjectiveUS /rɪˈzɜːrvd/
set aside for the use of a particular person or party
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
reticentadjectiveUS /ˈretɪsənt/
temperamentally disinclined to talk
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
revenuesnounUS /ˈrevənuːz/
plural of “revenue” — the entire amount of income before any deductions are made
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
ripplingnounUS /ˈrɪpəlɪŋ/
a small wave on the surface of a liquid
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
satinnounUS /ˈsætən/
a smooth fabric of silk or rayon; has a glossy face and a dull back
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔːrt/
primarily temporal sense; indicating or being or seeming to be limited in duration
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
silvernounUS /ˈsɪlvər/
a soft white precious univalent metallic element having the highest electrical and thermal conductivity of any metal; occurs in argentite and in free form; used in coins and jewelry and tableware and photography
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
sixnounUS /sɪks/
the cardinal number that is the sum of five and one
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
softlyadverbUS /ˈsɔːftli/
with low volume
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
soughtadjectiveUS /sɔːt/
that is looked for
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
spacenounUS /speɪs/
the unlimited expanse in which everything is located
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
storiesnounUS /ˈstɔːriz/
plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
streetnounUS /striːt/
a thoroughfare (usually including sidewalks) that is lined with buildings
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
stringedverbUS /strɪŋd/
past form of “string” — thread on or as if on a string
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
stylenounUS /staɪl/
how something is done or how it happens
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
sufficedverbUS /səˈfaɪst/
past form of “suffice” — be sufficient; be adequate, either in quality or quantity
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
sweetadjectiveUS /swiːt/
having or denoting the characteristic taste of sugar
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
swiftadjectiveUS /swɪft/
moving very fast
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
swiftlyadverbUS /ˈswɪftli/
in a swift manner
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
talkedverbUS /tɔːkt/
past form of “talk” — exchange thoughts; talk with
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
tellverbUS /tel/
express in words
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
TimenounUS /taɪm/
an instance or single occasion for some event
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
tipsnounUS /tɪps/
plural of “tip” — the extreme end of something; especially something pointed
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
TradesmennounUS /ˈtreɪdzmən/
plural of “tradesman” — a merchant who owns or manages a shop
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
trimverbUS /trɪm/
remove the edges from and cut down to the desired size
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
twonounUS /tuː/
the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
usualadjectiveUS /ˈjuːʒəwəl/
occurring or encountered or experienced or observed frequently or in accordance with regular practice or procedure
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
valetnounUS /væˈleɪ/
a manservant who acts as a personal attendant to his employer
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
valuenounUS /ˈvæljuː/
a numerical quantity measured or assigned or computed
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
vesselnounUS /ˈvesəl/
a tube in which a body fluid circulates
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
Vincenzo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
waternounUS /ˈwɔːtər/
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
waylaidverbUS /ˈweɪleɪd/
inflected form of “waylay” — wait in hiding to attack
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
wealthnounUS /welθ/
the state of being rich and affluent; having a plentiful supply of material goods and money
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
weeksnounUS /wiːks/
plural of “week” — any period of seven consecutive days
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/
used to introduce two or more possibilities
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Time flew swiftly on—a month, six weeks, passed, and during that short space I had established myself in Naples as a great personage—great, because of my wealth and the style in which I lived.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
whisperedadjectiveUS /ˈwɪspərd/
spoken in soft hushed tones without vibrations of the vocal cords
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading In a little while I knew everybody who was worth knowing in Naples; everywhere my name was talked of, my doings were chronicled in the fashionable newspapers; stories of my lavish generosity were repeated from mouth to mouth, and the most highly colored reports of my immense revenues were whispered with a kind of breathless awe at every cafe and street corner.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
worthnounUS /wɜːrθ/
an indefinite quantity of something having a specified value
From this reading No one in all the numerous families of distinction that eagerly sought my acquaintance cared whether I had intellect or intrinsic personal worth; it sufficed to them that I kept a carriage and pair, an elegant and costly equipage, softly lined with satin and drawn by two Arabian mares as black as polished ebony.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Tradesmen waylaid my reticent valet, Vincenzo, and gave him _douceurs_ in the hope he would obtain my custom for them—“tips” which he pocketed in his usual reserved and discreet manner, but which he was always honest enough to tell me of afterward.
yachtnounUS /jɑːt/
an expensive vessel propelled by sail or power and used for cruising or racing
From this reading The value of my friendship was measured by the luxuriousness of my box at the opera, and by the dainty fittings of my yacht, a swift trim vessel furnished with every luxury, and having on board a band of stringed instruments which discoursed sweet music when the moon emptied her horn of silver radiance on the rippling water.
