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 SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
accurate
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From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
admiration
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From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
all
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From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
alloy
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From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
AlthoughnounUS /ˈalthough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
ANdeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
appeal
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From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/
an old form of “are”, used with “thou”
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
artist
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From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
assertion
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From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
back
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From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
Beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
beautiful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
beauty
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From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
BEENauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
BEFOREprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
beheld
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
burst
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
comprehension
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From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
countenance
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From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
courting
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From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
description
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
divine
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
effect
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From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
elevates
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From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
eulogies
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From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
excellence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
face
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
feels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
female
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
gives
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
grosser
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
handsomenounUS /ˈhandsome/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
HASauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
hidden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
human
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
idea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
imagination
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
immediate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
influence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
instinct
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
Lady
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
lessen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
Lionel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
mindnounUS /mind/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
Montfort
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
nature
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
NEVERnounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
NodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
object
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
observant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
OLD
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
ONprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
original
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
perfect
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
pleasure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
preparation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
prepared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
produces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
prototype
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
quick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
rarest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
real
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
rebukes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
refinement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
richer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
SAID
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
scene
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
seem
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
sight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
SOMETHINGpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
spiritual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
strange
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
strikes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
SUBJECT
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
surprise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
true
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading No preparation by the eulogies of description can lessen the effect that the first sight of a beautiful object produces upon a mind to which refinement of idea gives an accurate and quick comprehension of beauty.
uspronounUS /ʌs/
the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
WHICHpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
wholly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it is a pleasure that elevates; the imagination feels itself richer by a new idea of excellence; for not only is real beauty wholly original, having no prototype, but its immediate influence is spiritual.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
woman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SOMETHING ON AN OLD SUBJECT, WHICH HAS NEVER BEEN SAID BEFORE Although Lionel was prepared to see a very handsome woman in Lady Montfort, the beauty of her countenance took him by surprise.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Be it a work of art, a scene in nature, or, rarest of all, a human face divine, a beauty never before beheld strikes us with hidden pleasure, like a burst of light.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading It may seem strange--I appeal to every observant artist if the assertion be not true--but the first sight of the most perfect order of female beauty, rather than courting, rebukes and strikes back, every grosser instinct that would alloy admiration.
