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Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works
Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works

Chapter XX

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Context Illustration Reading 1/37 · 5 lines
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DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.
He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.
He felt it throughout his alliance, throughout all his dealings with his second wife, who was emphatically not a Forsyte.
He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.
He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works

Chapter XX

Reading 1/37 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.
Line 2
He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.
Line 3
He felt it throughout his alliance, throughout all his dealings with his second wife, who was emphatically not a Forsyte.
Line 4
He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.
Line 5
He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

Learner Dictionary

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

After preposition US /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading “He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.”

Come noun US /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

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

From this reading “He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.”

Ever noun US /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.”

Folly noun US /ˈfɑːli/

an action or decision that shows a lack of good judgment

From this reading “He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.”

Ignorant noun US /ˈignorant/

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

From this reading “DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.”

Never noun US /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.”

Perhaps noun US /perhaps/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.”

Second noun US /second/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He felt it throughout his alliance, throughout all his dealings with his second wife, who was emphatically not a Forsyte.”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.”

Step noun US /step/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.”

Themselves pronoun US /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading “He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.”

Thin adjective US /θɪn/

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading “He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading “He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.”

Through noun US /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading “He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.”

Throughout preposition US /θruːˈaʊt/

in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period

From this reading “He felt it throughout his alliance, throughout all his dealings with his second wife, who was emphatically not a Forsyte.”

Till preposition US /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.”

All words in this reading · 118

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 DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

all

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

From this reading He felt it throughout his alliance, throughout all his dealings with his second wife, who was emphatically not a Forsyte.

alliance

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

From this reading He felt it throughout his alliance, throughout all his dealings with his second wife, who was emphatically not a Forsyte.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

aware

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

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

big

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

cages

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

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

Chinese

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

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

comenounUS /come/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

continually

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

From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

cross-legged

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

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

dealings

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

From this reading He felt it throughout his alliance, throughout all his dealings with his second wife, who was emphatically not a Forsyte.

death

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

decisive

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

From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

desired

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

DIAGNOSIS

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

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

doubting

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

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

emphatically

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

From this reading He felt it throughout his alliance, throughout all his dealings with his second wife, who was emphatically not a Forsyte.

evernounUS /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

eye

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

felt

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

From this reading He felt it throughout his alliance, throughout all his dealings with his second wife, who was emphatically not a Forsyte.

fifteen

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

financial

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

follynounUS /ˈfɑːli/

an action or decision that shows a lack of good judgment

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

FORSYTE

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

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

given

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

hearts

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

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading He felt it throughout his alliance, throughout all his dealings with his second wife, who was emphatically not a Forsyte.

hold

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

idols

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

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

ignorantnounUS /ˈignorant/

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

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

induced

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

Jolyon

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

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

knew

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

knowledge

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From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

known

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From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

like

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

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

lived

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

made

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

From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

marry

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

measure

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

men

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

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

miniature

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From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

misconstructions

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From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

nature

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

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

nevernounUS /never/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

OFprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

other

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

outcast

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From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

own

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

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

perhaps

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

possessed

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

price

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

property

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

retain

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

retained

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

seated

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

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

second

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

From this reading He felt it throughout his alliance, throughout all his dealings with his second wife, who was emphatically not a Forsyte.

sense

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

slights

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

smile

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

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

smiling

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

stepnounUS /step/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

tenacity

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading He was one of those men who, seated cross-legged like miniature Chinese idols in the cages of their own hearts, are ever smiling at themselves a doubting smile.

then

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

From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

thinadjectiveUS /θɪn/

Having little thickness or extent.

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

throughnounUS /ˈthrough/

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

throughoutprepositionUS /θruːˈaʊt/

in every part of a place, or for the whole of a period

From this reading He felt it throughout his alliance, throughout all his dealings with his second wife, who was emphatically not a Forsyte.

tillprepositionUS /tɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

troubles

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

up

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

wanted

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

wasting

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

well

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

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading He felt it throughout his alliance, throughout all his dealings with his second wife, who was emphatically not a Forsyte.

wife

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

From this reading He felt it throughout his alliance, throughout all his dealings with his second wife, who was emphatically not a Forsyte.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He had not known it till after the decisive step which had made him an outcast; since then the knowledge had been with him continually.

words

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

years

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

From this reading He knew that if he had not possessed in great measure the eye for what he wanted, the tenacity to hold on to it, the sense of the folly of wasting that for which he had given so big a price--in other words, the 'sense of property' he could never have retained her (perhaps never would have desired to retain her) with him through all the financial troubles, slights, and misconstructions of those fifteen years; never have induced her to marry him on the death of his first wife; never have lived it all through, and come up, as it were, thin, but smiling.

young

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

From this reading DIAGNOSIS OF A FORSYTE It is in the nature of a Forsyte to be ignorant that he is a Forsyte; but young Jolyon was well aware of being one.