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Mosses from an Old Manse
Mosses from an Old Manse

Chapter IV

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Context Illustration Reading 1/32 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Soon, however, he forgot these mortifying failures.
In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.
He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.
Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”
Not less singular were his opinions in regard to the elixir vitae.
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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.

Mosses from an Old Manse

Chapter IV

Reading 1/32 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Soon, however, he forgot these mortifying failures.
Line 2
In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.
Line 3
He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.
Line 4
Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”
Line 5
Not less singular were his opinions in regard to the elixir vitae.

Learner Dictionary

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

Added noun US /added/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.””

Art auxiliary verb US /ɑːrt/

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading “In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.”

Believe noun US /ˈbelieve/

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

From this reading “Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.””

Glowing noun US /ˈglowing/

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

From this reading “In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.”

However adverb US /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading “Soon, however, he forgot these mortifying failures.”

Long noun US /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Soon, however, he forgot these mortifying failures.”

These determiner US /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading “Soon, however, he forgot these mortifying failures.”

Within preposition US /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading “Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.””

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.””

All words in this reading · 96

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 He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

acquire

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

addednounUS /added/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

ages

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

alchemists

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

all

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

altogether

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

appeared

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

attain

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

Aylmer

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

base

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

believenounUS /ˈbelieve/

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

came

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

chemical

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

deep

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

discover

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

dynasty

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

elicited

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

elixir

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

From this reading Not less singular were his opinions in regard to the elixir vitae.

enough

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

exercise

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

exhausted

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

experiment

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

failures

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

From this reading Soon, however, he forgot these mortifying failures.

flushed

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

forgot

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

From this reading Soon, however, he forgot these mortifying failures.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

gave

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

glowingnounUS /ˈglowing/

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

go

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

golden

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Soon, however, he forgot these mortifying failures.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

history

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Soon, however, he forgot these mortifying failures.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

intervals

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

invigorated

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

language

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

less

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

From this reading Not less singular were his opinions in regard to the elixir vitae.

limits

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

lofty

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

logic

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

longnounUS /long/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

long-sought

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

many

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

medium

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

mortifying

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

From this reading Soon, however, he forgot these mortifying failures.

NotadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Not less singular were his opinions in regard to the elixir vitae.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

opinions

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

From this reading Not less singular were his opinions in regard to the elixir vitae.

philosopher

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

plainest

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

possibility

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

power

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

presence

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

principle

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

quest

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

regard

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

From this reading Not less singular were his opinions in regard to the elixir vitae.

resources

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

scientific

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

singular

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

From this reading Not less singular were his opinions in regard to the elixir vitae.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

solvent

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

Soon

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

From this reading Soon, however, he forgot these mortifying failures.

spent

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

spoke

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

stoop

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

study

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading Soon, however, he forgot these mortifying failures.

things

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading In the intervals of study and chemical experiment he came to her flushed and exhausted, but seemed invigorated by her presence, and spoke in glowing language of the resources of his art.

too

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

universal

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

vile

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

vitae

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

From this reading Not less singular were his opinions in regard to the elixir vitae.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Not less singular were his opinions in regard to the elixir vitae.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading He gave a history of the long dynasty of the alchemists, who spent so many ages in quest of the universal solvent by which the golden principle might be elicited from all things vile and base.

wisdom

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Aylmer appeared to believe that, by the plainest scientific logic, it was altogether within the limits of possibility to discover this long-sought medium; “but,” he added, “a philosopher who should go deep enough to acquire the power would attain too lofty a wisdom to stoop to the exercise of it.”