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 It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
able
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/
any thing at all
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
appalling
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
apparent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
away
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
barrier
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
brandynounUS /ˈbrændi/
a strong alcoholic drink distilled from wine
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
carefully
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
character
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
characteristic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
classes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
coffee
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
concern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
concerns
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
convicting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
cup
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
dash
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
deliberately
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
delight
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
depths
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
dinner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
directlynounUS /ˈdirectly/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
discover
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
engulfed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
fifteen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
francs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
gave
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
generously
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
glimpses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
good-nature
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
grim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
grudge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
guessed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
hidden
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
high
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
impression
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
inconsistency
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
interest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
jest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
Juvenal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
lash
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
law
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
Less
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
mocking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
month
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
mystery
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
nonepronounUS /nʌn/
not one, and not any
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
oblige
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
observers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
occupation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
ordernounUS /order/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
Parisian
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
pay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
penetrate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
pleasure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
rankled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
readiness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
restnounUS /rest/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
scourging
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
seldom
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
shortadjectiveUS /ʃɔrt/
brief or direct in expression
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
social
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
society
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
spirits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
stoppednounUS /stopped/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
superficial
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
system
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
takenounUS /take/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
thoughts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He knew or guessed the concerns of every one about him; but none of them had been able to penetrate his thoughts, or to discover his occupation.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
tonguenounUS /tongue/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
tooknounUS /took/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
trait
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
unfailing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He had deliberately made his apparent good-nature, his unfailing readiness to oblige, and his high spirits into a barrier between himself and the rest of them, but not seldom he gave glimpses of appalling depths of character.
unsatisfactory
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
upper
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
vaguely
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
Vautrin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
whirlpool
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading It was a characteristic trait of his generously to pay fifteen francs a month for the cup of coffee with a dash of brandy in it, which he took after dinner.
worthyadjectiveUS /ˈwɜːr.ði/
Having or showing the qualities or abilities that merit recognition in character or magic.
From this reading He seemed to delight in scourging the upper classes of society with the lash of his tongue, to take pleasure in convicting it of inconsistency, in mocking at law and order with some grim jest worthy of Juvenal, as if some grudge against the social system rankled in him, as if there were some mystery carefully hidden away in his life.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
young
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Less superficial observers than young men engulfed by the whirlpool of Parisian life, or old men, who took no interest in anything that did not directly concern them, would not have stopped short at the vaguely unsatisfactory impression that Vautrin made upon them.
