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Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus
Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus

Chapter XXII

Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

Chapter 18, section 1: Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work. I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet
Context Illustration Reading 1/24 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.
I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.
I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.
I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.
A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Frankenstein; or, The Modern Prometheus

Chapter XXII

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

Line 1
Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.
Line 2
I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.
Line 3
I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.
Line 4
I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.
Line 5
A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

Learner Dictionary

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

week noun US /wiːk/

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading “Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.”

Collocations
Day afterA source-grounded phrase from this reading.
after dayA source-grounded phrase from this reading.
All words in this reading · 108

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

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.

absolute

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/

later than; following

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

againnounUS /again/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

appear

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

away

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

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

begannounUS /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

change

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

clungnounUS /clung/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

collect

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

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

compose

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

From this reading I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.

consent

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

courage

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

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

Day

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

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

declined

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

delay

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

devoting

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

From this reading I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.

disappointed

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

From this reading I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.

discoveries

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

disquisition

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

From this reading I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.

England

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

English

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

enjoined

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

From this reading I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.

everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/

all the members of a group, with none left out

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

father's

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

feared

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

From this reading I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.

female

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

From this reading I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.

fiend

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

From this reading I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

Geneva

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

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

health

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

heard

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

hitherto

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

immediate

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

indeed

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

knowledge

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

laborious

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

From this reading I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.

less

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

made

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

material

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

mepronounUS /miː/

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

From this reading I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.

memorynounUS /ˈmem.ər.i/

The faculty by which the mind stores and remembers information and knowledge.

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

months

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

From this reading I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.

much

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

necessity

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

now

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

obtaining

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

overcome

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

From this reading I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.

passednounUS /passed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

philosopher

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

place

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

pretence

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

profound

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

From this reading I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.

promise

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

proportionably

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

purpose

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

recommence

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

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

repugnancenounUS /rɪˈpʌɡnəns/

strong disgust or dislike showing strong disgust or dislike toward something

From this reading I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.

restored

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

return

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

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

rose

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

several

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

From this reading I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.

shrank

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

some

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

sometimes

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

spirits

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

stepnounUS /step/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

study

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

From this reading I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.

success

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

taken

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

taking

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

task

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

From this reading I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

thoughtnounUS /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

unable

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

From this reading I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.

unchecked

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

undertakingnounUS /ˌʌndərˈteɪkɪŋ/

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

unhappy

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

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

vengeance

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

From this reading I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.

visit

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

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.

weeknounUS /wiːk/

any period of seven consecutive days

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading A change indeed had taken place in me; my health, which had hitherto declined, was now much restored; and my spirits, when unchecked by the memory of my unhappy promise, rose proportionably.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.

whosedeterminerUS /huːz/

belonging to which person

From this reading I had heard of some discoveries having been made by an English philosopher, the knowledge of which was material to my success, and I sometimes thought of obtaining my father’s consent to visit England for this purpose; but I clung to every pretence of delay and shrank from taking the first step in an undertaking whose immediate necessity began to appear less absolute to me.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading I found that I could not compose a female without again devoting several months to profound study and laborious disquisition.

work

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

From this reading Day after day, week after week, passed away on my return to Geneva; and I could not collect the courage to recommence my work.

yetconjunctionUS /jet/

but in spite of that

From this reading I feared the vengeance of the disappointed fiend, yet I was unable to overcome my repugnance to the task which was enjoined me.