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Barry Lyndon
Barry Lyndon

Chapter XI · In Which the Luck Goes Against Barry

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Context Illustration Reading 1/24 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.
I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.
I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.
But such little rebuffs as I got were far from discouraging me.
I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Barry Lyndon

Chapter XI · In Which the Luck Goes Against Barry

Reading 1/24 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.
Line 2
I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.
Line 3
I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.
Line 4
But such little rebuffs as I got were far from discouraging me.
Line 5
I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.

Learner Dictionary

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

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.”

Fortune noun US /ˈfortune/

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

From this reading “My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.”

Gentleman noun US /ˈgentleman/

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

From this reading “I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.”

However adverb US /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading “I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But such little rebuffs as I got were far from discouraging me.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.”

Mine pronoun US /maɪn/

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.”

Must modal verb US /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading “I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.”

Myself pronoun US /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading “I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.”

Seeing noun US /seeing/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.”

Sudden noun US /sudden/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.”

Undertaking noun US /ˌʌndərˈteɪkɪŋ/

a serious task, project, or venture that someone agrees to do

From this reading “I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.”

Whenever conjunction US /weˈnevər/

at any time that; every time that

From this reading “I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.”

All words in this reading · 109

Every word is available to listen to. Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

addresses

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

admitted

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

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

affections

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

aid

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

From this reading I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.

all

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

any

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

apartments

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

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But such little rebuffs as I got were far from discouraging me.

cannot

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

captivating

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

certain

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

completion

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

Countess

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

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

creature's

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

desired

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

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

discouraging

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

From this reading But such little rebuffs as I got were far from discouraging me.

elsewhere

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

engaged

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

expected

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

far

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

favour

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

forget

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

fortunenounUS /ˈfortune/

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

frequent

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

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

friends

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

From this reading I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading But such little rebuffs as I got were far from discouraging me.

gentlemannounUS /ˈgentleman/

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

Germany

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

got

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

From this reading But such little rebuffs as I got were far from discouraging me.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

hand

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

heiresses

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

hopes

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

human

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

Ida

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

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

ignobly

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

Irish

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

knew

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

From this reading I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.

later

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

From this reading I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But such little rebuffs as I got were far from discouraging me.

lover

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

manners

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

merits

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

minepronounUS /maɪn/

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.

MydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

now

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

obtaining

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

opportunities

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

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.

own

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

particular

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

paying

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

person

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

powerful

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From this reading I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.

presented

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From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

pretty

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

Princess's

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

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

probability

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

prudence

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

rebuffs

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From this reading But such little rebuffs as I got were far from discouraging me.

received

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

richest

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

said

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

sake

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

say

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

secure

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

seeing

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

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

silly

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

sooner

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

From this reading I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading But such little rebuffs as I got were far from discouraging me.

suddennounUS /sudden/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

there

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

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

undertakingnounUS /ˌʌndərˈteɪkɪŋ/

a serious task, project, or venture that someone agrees to do

From this reading I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.

very

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

From this reading I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.

victory

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

From this reading I had very powerful friends, who were to aid me in my undertaking; and knew that, sooner or later, the victory must be mine.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading My hopes of obtaining the hand of one of the richest heiresses in Germany were now, as far as all human probability went, and as far as my own merits and prudence could secure my fortune, pretty certain of completion.

wheneverconjunctionUS /weˈnevər/

at any time that; every time that

From this reading I was admitted whenever I presented myself at the Princess’s apartments, and had as frequent opportunities as I desired of seeing the Countess Ida there.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.

young

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

From this reading I cannot say that she received me with any particular favour; the silly young creature’s affections were, as I have said, engaged ignobly elsewhere; and, however captivating my own person and manners may have been, it was not to be expected that she should all of a sudden forget her lover for the sake of the young Irish gentleman who was paying his addresses to her.