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 "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
ability
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
add
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
ambition
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
any
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
AnyonepronounUS /ˈeniwʌn/
any person at all
From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
awakening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
became
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
Bernard
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
boiling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
boundless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
bread
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
bring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
business
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
butter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
called
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
canmodal verbUS /kæn/
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
contemplate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
content
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
craftiness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
creation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
dash
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
determination
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
diplomatic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
doomed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
dramatic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
Edison
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
energy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
equal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
explosive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
extreme
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
FORprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?
formula
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
genius
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
genius-for-long-hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
George
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
get
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
impudence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
Job
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
keep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
leastnounUS /least/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
lifetime
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
living
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
Machiavelli
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
mistake
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
mix
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
mydeterminerUS /maɪ/
belonging to the person speaking
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
Napoleon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
once
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
ordinary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
patience
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
professions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
proportions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
rate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
realized
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
restnounUS /rest/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
Roosevelt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
sad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
seething
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
Shakespere
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
Shaw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
Shaw's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
SHOULDmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?
sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/
from a time in the past until now
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
specify
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
speedy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
successful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
thinks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
TOparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?
TRY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
VAUDEVILLE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?
wanted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
words
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.
working
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading If I were called upon to give a formula for the creation of a successful vaudeville writer, I would specify: The dramatic genius of a Shakespere, the diplomatic craftiness of a Machiavelli, the explosive energy of a Roosevelt, and the genius-for-long-hours of an Edison: mix in equal proportions, add a dash of Shaw's impudence, all the patience of Job, and keep boiling for a lifetime over the seething ambition of Napoleon.
WRITE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?
writer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "I became a writer," George Bernard Shaw once said, "because I wanted to get a living without working for it--I have since realized my mistake."
writing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Anyone who thinks that by writing for vaudeville he can get a living without working for it is doomed to a sad and speedy awakening.
YOUpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading SHOULD YOU TRY TO WRITE FOR VAUDEVILLE?
yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/
belonging to the person or people being spoken to
From this reading In other--and less extreme--words, if you contemplate writing for vaudeville for your bread and butter, you must bring to the business, if not genius, at least the ability to think, and if not boundless energy, at any rate a determination never to rest content with the working hours of the ordinary professions.