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 Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
acquainted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
adorned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her table had been adorned with special care in Croesus' honor.
alreadynounUS /already/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
Aristomachus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
beautiful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading Her table had been adorned with special care in Croesus' honor.
Bright
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
care
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her table had been adorned with special care in Croesus' honor.
chaplets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
Croesus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her table had been adorned with special care in Croesus' honor.
crowned
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
cushions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
ear
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
ease
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
Egypt
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
fell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
gaiety
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
girl
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
gold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
guests
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading Her table had been adorned with special care in Croesus' honor.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
HerdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading Her table had been adorned with special care in Croesus' honor.
honor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her table had been adorned with special care in Croesus' honor.
hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It wanted two hours of midnight.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
Ibykus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Her table had been adorned with special care in Croesus' honor.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It wanted two hours of midnight.
lay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
mepronounUS /miː/
the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
merchantnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/
A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
midnight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It wanted two hours of midnight.
Miletus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
mirth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
move
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It wanted two hours of midnight.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
openverbUS /ˈoʊ.pən/
To move from a closed position.
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
painful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
persists
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
Phanes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
poplar
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
reach
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
Rhodopis
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
roses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
said
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
sculptor
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
seems
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
shoe
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
slippers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
sounds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
speaking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
special
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her table had been adorned with special care in Croesus' honor.
streaming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
table
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Her table had been adorned with special care in Croesus' honor.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
Theodorus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
Theopompus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
tight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It wanted two hours of midnight.
wanted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It wanted two hours of midnight.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
wearing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
well-fitting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
whompronounUS /huːm/
the form of “who” used as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading On the cushions around it lay the guests with whom we are already acquainted: Theodorus, Ibykus, Phanes, Aristomachus, the merchant Theopompus of Miletus, Croesus and others, crowned with chaplets of poplar and roses.
windows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Bright light was streaming through the open windows of Rhodopis' house, and sounds of mirth and gaiety fell on the ear.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading Her table had been adorned with special care in Croesus' honor.
withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/
inside; before a period of time has passed
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Theodorus the sculptor was speaking: "Egypt seems to me," he said, "like a girl who persists in wearing a tight and painful shoe only because it is of gold, while within her reach he beautiful and well-fitting slippers in which she could move at ease, if she only would."
