Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
affairs
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From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
Andreas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
Anician
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
apart
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From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
appeared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently the door opened, and in the dim lamp-light appeared the presbyter Andreas, stepping softly.
approach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
aptitude
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
awed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
bedside
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
befell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
Beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
Bishop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
chanted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
church
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
claim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
clerics
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
colloquies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
CUMAE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
detailsnounUS /ˈdetails/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
dim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently the door opened, and in the dim lamp-light appeared the presbyter Andreas, stepping softly.
dogma
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently the door opened, and in the dim lamp-light appeared the presbyter Andreas, stepping softly.
elderly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
excessive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
exultant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
fortnight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
fortunenounUS /ˈfortune/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
freedman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
happened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
held
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
honestadjectiveUS /ˈɑnɪst/
truthful and trustworthy
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
infirm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
lamp-light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently the door opened, and in the dim lamp-light appeared the presbyter Andreas, stepping softly.
lay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
leave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
marvels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
matins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
Maximus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
modest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/
not one and not the other of two
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
news
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
occupied
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
office
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
opened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently the door opened, and in the dim lamp-light appeared the presbyter Andreas, stepping softly.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
past
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
Petronilla
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
piece
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
prelate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
presbyter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
Presently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently the door opened, and in the dim lamp-light appeared the presbyter Andreas, stepping softly.
psalm
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
quavering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
received
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
reverence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
saving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
senator's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
served
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
sick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
simple-minded
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
softly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently the door opened, and in the dim lamp-light appeared the presbyter Andreas, stepping softly.
son
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
stepping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Presently the door opened, and in the dim lamp-light appeared the presbyter Andreas, stepping softly.
Sunday
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
Surrentum
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
testament
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
TOparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
topic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
unable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
unduly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
urging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
villa
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
visions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
voice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
wakeful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
weaknessnounUS /ˈwiːknəs/
a lack of physical strength
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
weighty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
wheneverconjunctionUS /weˈnevər/
at any time that; every time that
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading On Sunday morning the good prelate lay wakeful at the hour of matins, and with quavering voice chanted to himself the psalm of the office from which his weakness held him apart.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading TO CUMAE The Bishop of Surrentum, an elderly man and infirm, had for the past fortnight been unable to leave his house, but day by day he received news of what passed at the villa of Maximus, and held with the presbyter, Andreas, many colloquies on that weighty topic, the senator's testament.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading Being the son of a freedman who had served in the Anician house, the bishop could not approach Maximus without excessive reverence; before Petronilla he was even more unduly awed.
worldly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As it happened, neither bishop nor presbyter had much aptitude for worldly affairs; they were honest, simple-minded clerics, occupied with visions and marvels and the saving details of dogma; exultant whenever a piece of good fortune befell their church, but modest in urging a claim at the bedside of the sick.
