Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
Aladdin and the Magic Lamp
Aladdin and the Magic Lamp

Chapter I · The African Magician & The Secret of the Cavern

“There are treasures hidden beneath the earth that only the pure of heart may claim, yet the wicked will stop at nothing to possess them.”

Mustapha tries to teach the restless young Aladdin to sew in their poor tailor shop
Context Illustration Reading 1/23 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.
His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.
He was obstinate, and disobedient to his father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep him within doors.
He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.
When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Aladdin and the Magic Lamp

Chapter I · The African Magician & The Secret of the Cavern

Reading 1/23 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.
Line 2
His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.
Line 3
He was obstinate, and disobedient to his father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep him within doors.
Line 4
He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.
Line 5
When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

Learner Dictionary

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

obstinate adjective US /ˈɑːb.stə.nət/

Refusing to change your opinion or behavior despite attempts to persuade you.

From this reading “He was obstinate, and disobedient to his father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep him within doors.”

provinces plural noun US /ˈprɑː.vɪn.sɪz/

Large administrative areas that form part of a country.

From this reading “In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.”

Collocations
In theA source-grounded phrase from this reading.
the capitalA source-grounded phrase from this reading.
All words in this reading · 106

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 In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

able

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

age

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

From this reading He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.

Aladdin

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

From this reading His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.

all

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

From this reading He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

any

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

broughtnounUS /ˈbrought/

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

From this reading His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

called

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

From this reading His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.

capable

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

capital

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

careless

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

From this reading His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.

chastisement

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

children

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

From this reading He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.

China

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

consisted

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

contracted

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

From this reading His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

daily

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

day

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

From this reading He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.

disobedient

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

From this reading He was obstinate, and disobedient to his father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep him within doors.

doors

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

From this reading He was obstinate, and disobedient to his father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep him within doors.

early

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

From this reading He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.

enough

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

fairnounUS /fair/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

family

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

father

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

From this reading He was obstinate, and disobedient to his father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep him within doors.

fear

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

fixing

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

genius

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

going

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

From this reading He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.

grew

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

From this reading He was obstinate, and disobedient to his father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep him within doors.

habit

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

From this reading He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.

habits

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

From this reading His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.

hardly

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He was obstinate, and disobedient to his father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep him within doors.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

how

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

idle

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

From this reading His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

keep

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

From this reading He was obstinate, and disobedient to his father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep him within doors.

kingdom

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

labour

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

large

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

learn

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

lived

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

lively

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

maintain

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

manner

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

From this reading His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.

many

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

From this reading His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.

means

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

From this reading His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.

morningnounUS /morning/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.

mother

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

From this reading He was obstinate, and disobedient to his father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep him within doors.

Mustapha

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

named

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

needle

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/

not one and not the other of two

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He was obstinate, and disobedient to his father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep him within doors.

obstinateadjectiveUS /ˈɑːb.stə.nət/

Refusing to change your opinion or behavior despite attempts to persuade you.

From this reading He was obstinate, and disobedient to his father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep him within doors.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

old

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

other

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

out

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

From this reading He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.

own

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

From this reading He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.

playing

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

From this reading He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.

poornounUS /poor/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

provincesplural nounUS /ˈprɑː.vɪn.sɪz/

Large administrative areas that form part of a country.

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

put

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

rich

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

shop

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

son

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

stay

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

From this reading He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.

streets

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

From this reading He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.

tailor

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

taught

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

there

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading He was obstinate, and disobedient to his father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep him within doors.

tooknounUS /took/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

trade

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

up

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

From this reading His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.

use

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

very

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

From this reading His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.

vicious

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

From this reading His son, who was called Aladdin, had been brought up in a very careless and idle manner, and by that means had contracted many vicious habits.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading He was obstinate, and disobedient to his father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep him within doors.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

wife

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

From this reading In the capital of one of the large and rich provinces of the kingdom of China there lived a tailor, named Mustapha, who was so poor that he could hardly, by his daily labour, maintain himself and his family, which consisted of a wife and son.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.

withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading He was obstinate, and disobedient to his father and mother, who, when he grew up, could not keep him within doors.

words

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

From this reading When he was old enough to learn a trade, his father, not being able to put him out to any other, took him into his own shop, and taught him how to use his needle: but neither fair words nor the fear of chastisement were capable of fixing his lively genius.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading He was in the habit of going out early in the morning, and would stay out all day, playing in the streets with idle children of his own age.

Chapter Quiz

Who was the stranger that approached Aladdin in the public square?

What did the Magician place upon Aladdin's finger before he descended?

Shadowing Practice

The Magician: “Beneath this stone lies a fortune greater than all the realms of kings, and it awaits you alone.”
Aladdin: “I will descend into the dark vault, for my heart knows no fear when destiny calls.”