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 A BANQUET IS GIVEN TO THE MORAL MERCHANT.
advances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading The unblushing fibs told in the speeches are dreadful to contemplate.
AsconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
BANQUET
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A BANQUET IS GIVEN TO THE MORAL MERCHANT.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
century
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
chief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
civilization
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
contemplate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The unblushing fibs told in the speeches are dreadful to contemplate.
crust
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
dinners
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
dreadfuladjectiveUS /ˈdrɛdfəl/
extremely frightening or unpleasant
From this reading The unblushing fibs told in the speeches are dreadful to contemplate.
entertainments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
fast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
fibs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The unblushing fibs told in the speeches are dreadful to contemplate.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
fruit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
full
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The world is full of shams.
GIVEN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A BANQUET IS GIVEN TO THE MORAL MERCHANT.
Guest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
host
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
human
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
increase
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
indeed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
inside
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
ISauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A BANQUET IS GIVEN TO THE MORAL MERCHANT.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
lieutenant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
likened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
MERCHANTnounUS /ˈmɜːr.tʃənt/
A person or company involved in wholesale trade, especially with foreign countries.
From this reading A BANQUET IS GIVEN TO THE MORAL MERCHANT.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
MORAL
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A BANQUET IS GIVEN TO THE MORAL MERCHANT.
multiply
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
nature
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
nineteenth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The world is full of shams.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
OurdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/
belonging to the speaker and others
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
overlaid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
pie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
precedence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
proposed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
public
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
ranked
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
room
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
sham
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
shamelessness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
shams
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The world is full of shams.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
speeches
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The unblushing fibs told in the speeches are dreadful to contemplate.
takes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A BANQUET IS GIVEN TO THE MORAL MERCHANT.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
thick
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
TOparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A BANQUET IS GIVEN TO THE MORAL MERCHANT.
toast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And as a chief lieutenant of shams--as a sham which takes precedence of a host of other shams, from its very shamelessness, may be ranked the toast of Our Guest, or Our Host, proposed at public dinners and entertainments.
toldnounUS /told/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The unblushing fibs told in the speeches are dreadful to contemplate.
unblushing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The unblushing fibs told in the speeches are dreadful to contemplate.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading As civilization advances, shams increase and multiply; indeed, they multiply so fast that human nature in the nineteenth century might be likened to a pie, with very little room inside for the fruit, so thick is the crust of shams with which it is overlaid.
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The world is full of shams.