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A Widow's Tale, and Other Stories
A Widow's Tale, and Other Stories

Chapter XXXIII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/58 · 5 lines
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John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.
He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.
Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.
I wonder if it ever was so.
Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

A Widow's Tale, and Other Stories

Chapter XXXIII

Reading 1/58 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.
Line 2
He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.
Line 3
Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.
Line 4
I wonder if it ever was so.
Line 5
Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.”

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?”

Already noun US /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.”

Another noun US /ˈanother/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.”

Current noun US /ˈcurrent/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.”

Ever noun US /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.”

Forbidden adjective US /fərˈbɪd.ən/

Not allowed; banned or prohibited by rule or law.

From this reading “Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?”

Found noun US /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.”

Good noun US /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.”

John noun US /john/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.”

Let auxiliary verb US /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading “He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.”

Ought modal verb US /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading “Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.”

Passed noun US /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.”

Perhaps noun US /perhaps/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.”

Secret noun US /ˈsiː.krət/

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading “Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?”

Suppose noun US /ˈsuppose/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.”

These determiner US /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading “Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.”

Wonderful noun US /ˈwonderful/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.”

Yet conjunction US /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading “He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.”

All words in this reading · 142

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 He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

abodes

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

all

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

alreadynounUS /already/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

anothernounUS /ˈanother/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

asceticism

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

aside

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

atmosphere

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

Berserkers

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

called

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

circles

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

clergy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

confusion

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

congeries

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

conventional

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

curious

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

currentnounUS /ˈcurrent/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

dance

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

days

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

deal

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

devotion

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

Didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/

the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

eachdeterminerUS /iːtʃ/

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

earliest

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

early

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

eddy

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

education

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

encircling

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

English

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

evernounUS /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

experiences

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

figures

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

filled

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

find

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

forbiddenadjectiveUS /fərˈbɪd.ən/

Not allowed; banned or prohibited by rule or law.

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

go

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

going

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

goodnounUS /good/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

head

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I wonder if it ever was so.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

John

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

knocked

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

learning

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

letauxiliary verbUS /let/

used to make a suggestion or a command including the speaker

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

letters

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

many

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

men

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

mode

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

moral

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

more

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

most

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

much

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

mutual

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

Mænads

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

and not; used after a negative to add a second negative

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

old

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

older

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

other

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

oughtmodal verbUS /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

own

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

passednounUS /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

peacefulness

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

peculiar

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

perhaps

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

places

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

pleasure

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

plunged

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

profitable

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

properly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

round

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

rushing

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

Rushton's

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

sea

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

secretnounUS /ˈsiː.krət/

Something that is kept or meant to be kept unknown or unseen by others.

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

sets

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

some

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

standard

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

stream

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

study

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

supposenounUS /ˈsuppose/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

swaying

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

there

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

too

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

trooping

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

University

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

vainly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

very

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

whatsoever

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

whirl

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Did not the young clergy whirl too, in circles of asceticism or mutual devotion, or perhaps forbidden and secret pleasure, one trooping after another in the earliest days?

whirls

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

whompronounUS /huːm/

the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

wildly

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Life in the University is even more than in other places a congeries of whirls, one round or dance of wildly rushing figures, each encircling some swaying standard of its own, dance of the Mænads or of the Berserkers going on for ever in a mode that sets aside all that peacefulness of study and learning which we all, perhaps, vainly suppose is, or ought to be, found in the very atmosphere of these abodes of letters.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

wonder

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading I wonder if it ever was so.

wonderfulnounUS /ˈwonderful/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading John Rushton's early life had been so peculiar that it was not wonderful if he found himself very much at sea when he was first plunged into the curious conventional life of an English University.

world

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

year

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.

young

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading He was older than most of the young men whom he found there--yet not very old, if he had not been already knocked about the world a good deal and filled with many experiences: and the first year at least passed over his head in great confusion, during which he let himself go with the stream in whatsoever eddy or current he might find himself,--which perhaps was not very profitable for his moral being, nor yet for his education properly so called.