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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
ball
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
ballroom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
blameworthy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The proprieties were observed and the Emperor was the first to set that example, but everybody understood that the old man was blameworthy and good-for-nothing.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
campaign
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Emperor’s displeasure with Kutúzov was specially increased at Vílna by the fact that Kutúzov evidently could not or would not understand the importance of the coming campaign.
captured
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
Catherine's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
caught
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
Class
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
comedian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
coming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Emperor’s displeasure with Kutúzov was specially increased at Vílna by the fact that Kutúzov evidently could not or would not understand the importance of the coming campaign.
conforming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading The Emperor’s displeasure with Kutúzov was specially increased at Vílna by the fact that Kutúzov evidently could not or would not understand the importance of the coming campaign.
custom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
day
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
dinner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
displeasure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Emperor’s displeasure with Kutúzov was specially increased at Vílna by the fact that Kutúzov evidently could not or would not understand the importance of the coming campaign.
dissatisfaction
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
Emperor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
Emperor's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
entering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
everybodypronounUS /ˈevribɑːdi/
every person
From this reading The proprieties were observed and the Emperor was the first to set that example, but everybody understood that the old man was blameworthy and good-for-nothing.
everyonepronounUS /ˈevriwʌn/
every person
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
evidently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Emperor’s displeasure with Kutúzov was specially increased at Vílna by the fact that Kutúzov evidently could not or would not understand the importance of the coming campaign.
example
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The proprieties were observed and the Emperor was the first to set that example, but everybody understood that the old man was blameworthy and good-for-nothing.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
fact
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Emperor’s displeasure with Kutúzov was specially increased at Vílna by the fact that Kutúzov evidently could not or would not understand the importance of the coming campaign.
feet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
field
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
FirstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
gave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
George
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
good-for-nothing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The proprieties were observed and the Emperor was the first to set that example, but everybody understood that the old man was blameworthy and good-for-nothing.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
highest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
honored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
honors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
imperial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
importance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Emperor’s displeasure with Kutúzov was specially increased at Vílna by the fact that Kutúzov evidently could not or would not understand the importance of the coming campaign.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
increased
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Emperor’s displeasure with Kutúzov was specially increased at Vílna by the fact that Kutúzov evidently could not or would not understand the importance of the coming campaign.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
Kutúzov
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
lowered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The proprieties were observed and the Emperor was the first to set that example, but everybody understood that the old man was blameworthy and good-for-nothing.
marshal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
mutteredverbUS /ˈmʌtərd/
spoke in a low voice that was difficult to hear
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
NextnounUS /next/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading The Emperor’s displeasure with Kutúzov was specially increased at Vílna by the fact that Kutúzov evidently could not or would not understand the importance of the coming campaign.
observed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The proprieties were observed and the Emperor was the first to set that example, but everybody understood that the old man was blameworthy and good-for-nothing.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The proprieties were observed and the Emperor was the first to set that example, but everybody understood that the old man was blameworthy and good-for-nothing.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading The Emperor’s displeasure with Kutúzov was specially increased at Vílna by the fact that Kutúzov evidently could not or would not understand the importance of the coming campaign.
OrdernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
ordered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
people
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
presence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
proprieties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The proprieties were observed and the Emperor was the first to set that example, but everybody understood that the old man was blameworthy and good-for-nothing.
received
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
set
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The proprieties were observed and the Emperor was the first to set that example, but everybody understood that the old man was blameworthy and good-for-nothing.
showed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
specially
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Emperor’s displeasure with Kutúzov was specially increased at Vílna by the fact that Kutúzov evidently could not or would not understand the importance of the coming campaign.
St
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
standards
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading The proprieties were observed and the Emperor was the first to set that example, but everybody understood that the old man was blameworthy and good-for-nothing.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading The proprieties were observed and the Emperor was the first to set that example, but everybody understood that the old man was blameworthy and good-for-nothing.
understandnounUS /understand/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The Emperor’s displeasure with Kutúzov was specially increased at Vílna by the fact that Kutúzov evidently could not or would not understand the importance of the coming campaign.
understood
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The proprieties were observed and the Emperor was the first to set that example, but everybody understood that the old man was blameworthy and good-for-nothing.
Vílna
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Emperor’s displeasure with Kutúzov was specially increased at Vílna by the fact that Kutúzov evidently could not or would not understand the importance of the coming campaign.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading The proprieties were observed and the Emperor was the first to set that example, but everybody understood that the old man was blameworthy and good-for-nothing.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The proprieties were observed and the Emperor was the first to set that example, but everybody understood that the old man was blameworthy and good-for-nothing.
WhenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Next day the field marshal gave a dinner and ball which the Emperor honored by his presence.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Kutúzov had received the Order of St. George of the First Class and the Emperor showed him the highest honors, but everyone knew of the imperial dissatisfaction with him.
words
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading The Emperor’s displeasure with Kutúzov was specially increased at Vílna by the fact that Kutúzov evidently could not or would not understand the importance of the coming campaign.
wry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading When Kutúzov, conforming to a custom of Catherine’s day, ordered the standards that had been captured to be lowered at the Emperor’s feet on his entering the ballroom, the Emperor made a wry face and muttered something in which some people caught the words, “the old comedian.”
