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 The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
Ali
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ali Cogia was much troubled by this dream, as he was unwilling to give up his shop, and lose all his customers.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
appeared
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Ali Cogia was much troubled by this dream, as he was unwilling to give up his shop, and lose all his customers.
atone
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
Bagdad
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
child
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
Cogia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
Colia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
consciencenounUS /ˈkɑːnʃəns/
the inner sense of right and wrong
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
contented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
customers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ali Cogia was much troubled by this dream, as he was unwilling to give up his shop, and lose all his customers.
delaying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading The first thing he did was to sell his furniture and the wares he had in his shop, only reserving to himself such goods as he might trade with on the road.
direct
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
dreamnounUS /driːm/
A series of thoughts, images, or emotions during sleep.
From this reading Ali Cogia was much troubled by this dream, as he was unwilling to give up his shop, and lose all his customers.
dreamed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
dutynounUS /ˈduːti/
a responsibility that must be carried out
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
extra
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
eyes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
father
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The first thing he did was to sell his furniture and the wares he had in his shop, only reserving to himself such goods as he might trade with on the road.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
furniture
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thing he did was to sell his furniture and the wares he had in his shop, only reserving to himself such goods as he might trade with on the road.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ali Cogia was much troubled by this dream, as he was unwilling to give up his shop, and lose all his customers.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
goods
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thing he did was to sell his furniture and the wares he had in his shop, only reserving to himself such goods as he might trade with on the road.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
happily
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
Haroun-al-Raschid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
house
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
InprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
journeynounUS /ˈjourney/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
leftnounUS /left/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
lived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
longer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
lose
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ali Cogia was much troubled by this dream, as he was unwilling to give up his shop, and lose all his customers.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
Mecca
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
MerchantnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/
A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading The first thing he did was to sell his furniture and the wares he had in his shop, only reserving to himself such goods as he might trade with on the road.
modest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
much
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ali Cogia was much troubled by this dream, as he was unwilling to give up his shop, and lose all his customers.
Mussulman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
named
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
necessity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
neglected
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/
not one and not the other of two
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
nightsnounUS /naɪts/
Periods of darkness between sunset and sunrise.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
number
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The first thing he did was to sell his furniture and the wares he had in his shop, only reserving to himself such goods as he might trade with on the road.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thing he did was to sell his furniture and the wares he had in his shop, only reserving to himself such goods as he might trade with on the road.
performing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
pilgrimage
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
produced
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
profits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
put
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
quitenounUS /quite/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
reign
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
reproached
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
reserving
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thing he did was to sell his furniture and the wares he had in his shop, only reserving to himself such goods as he might trade with on the road.
resolved
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
road
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thing he did was to sell his furniture and the wares he had in his shop, only reserving to himself such goods as he might trade with on the road.
runningnounUS /ˈrunning/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
sell
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thing he did was to sell his furniture and the wares he had in his shop, only reserving to himself such goods as he might trade with on the road.
shop
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ali Cogia was much troubled by this dream, as he was unwilling to give up his shop, and lose all his customers.
shut
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
spent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
StorynounUS /ˈstɔːri/
a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/
of the kind already mentioned
From this reading The first thing he did was to sell his furniture and the wares he had in his shop, only reserving to himself such goods as he might trade with on the road.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The first thing he did was to sell his furniture and the wares he had in his shop, only reserving to himself such goods as he might trade with on the road.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading Ali Cogia was much troubled by this dream, as he was unwilling to give up his shop, and lose all his customers.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
trade
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
tried
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
troubled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ali Cogia was much troubled by this dream, as he was unwilling to give up his shop, and lose all his customers.
unwilling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ali Cogia was much troubled by this dream, as he was unwilling to give up his shop, and lose all his customers.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Ali Cogia was much troubled by this dream, as he was unwilling to give up his shop, and lose all his customers.
wares
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The first thing he did was to sell his furniture and the wares he had in his shop, only reserving to himself such goods as he might trade with on the road.
warning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading Ali Cogia was much troubled by this dream, as he was unwilling to give up his shop, and lose all his customers.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
wife
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading The Story of Ali Colia, Merchant of Bagdad In the reign of Haroun-al-Raschid, there lived in Bagdad a merchant named Ali Cogia, who, having neither wife nor child, contented himself with the modest profits produced by his trade.
works
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had shut his eyes for some time to the necessity of performing this pilgrimage, and tried to atone to his conscience by an extra number of good works, but the dream seemed to him a direct warning, and he resolved to put the journey off no longer.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had spent some years quite happily in the house his father had left him, when three nights running he dreamed that an old man had appeared to him, and reproached him for having neglected the duty of a good Mussulman, in delaying so long his pilgrimage to Mecca.