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Once on a Time
Once on a Time

Chapter I

Cover illustration for Once on a Time
Context Illustration Reading 1/7 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.
It may be that the circumstances in which the book was written have made me unduly fond of it.
When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."
Nine times out of ten it is so.
The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.
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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.

Once on a Time

Chapter I

Reading 1/7 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.
Line 2
It may be that the circumstances in which the book was written have made me unduly fond of it.
Line 3
When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."
Line 4
Nine times out of ten it is so.
Line 5
The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

Learner Dictionary

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

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.”

Books noun US /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading “When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."”

Brisk adjective US /brɪsk/

energetic and quick

From this reading “By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “It may be that the circumstances in which the book was written have made me unduly fond of it.”

However adverb US /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading “When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “It may be that the circumstances in which the book was written have made me unduly fond of it.”

Myself pronoun US /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading “By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.”

Right noun US /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."”

Sometimes noun US /sometimes/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.”

Whether conjunction US /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading “The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.”

All words in this reading · 114

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

1915

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

1917

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

according

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

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

Agatha

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

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

all

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

always

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

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

amauxiliary verbUS /æm/

the form of “be” used with “I”

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

amusement

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

amusing

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

Arrangement

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading It may be that the circumstances in which the book was written have made me unduly fond of it.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

best

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

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

black-letter

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

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

book

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

booksnounUS /bʊks/

Bound written or printed works.

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

borrowed

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

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

bought

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

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

briskadjectiveUS /brɪsk/

energetic and quick

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

ByprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

calendar

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

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

case

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

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

circumstances

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

From this reading It may be that the circumstances in which the book was written have made me unduly fond of it.

conversation

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

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

Department

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

detracting

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

died

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

end

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

family

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

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

fond

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

From this reading It may be that the circumstances in which the book was written have made me unduly fond of it.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

G

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

happens

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

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading It may be that the circumstances in which the book was written have made me unduly fond of it.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

insincerely

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

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

interest

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

introduced

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

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Nine times out of ten it is so.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

lines

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

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

made

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

From this reading It may be that the circumstances in which the book was written have made me unduly fond of it.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading It may be that the circumstances in which the book was written have made me unduly fond of it.

mepronounUS /miː/

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

From this reading It may be that the circumstances in which the book was written have made me unduly fond of it.

Michael

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

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

Nine

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

From this reading Nine times out of ten it is so.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

out

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

From this reading Nine times out of ten it is so.

P

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

parcel

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

place

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

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

praising

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

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

progress

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

published

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

Putnam's

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

quietly

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

read

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

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

red-letter

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

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

reviewed

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

rightnounUS /right/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

saint

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

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

say

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

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

seriously

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Nine times out of ten it is so.

some

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

sometimes

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

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

Sons

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

St

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

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

starts

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

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

stranger

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

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

taken

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

takes

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

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

ten

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

From this reading Nine times out of ten it is so.

tenth

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

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It may be that the circumstances in which the book was written have made me unduly fond of it.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

then

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

times

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

From this reading Nine times out of ten it is so.

Tiny

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

Tots

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

uncle

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

unduly

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

From this reading It may be that the circumstances in which the book was written have made me unduly fond of it.

very

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

War

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

whetherconjunctionUS /ˈweðər/

used to introduce two or more possibilities

From this reading The tenth takes a place in the family calendar; St. Michael or St. Agatha, as the case may be, a red-letter or black-letter saint, according to whether the book was bought or borrowed.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."

wife

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

World

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

written

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

From this reading By Arrangement with G. P. Putnam's Sons This book was written in 1915, for the amusement of my wife and myself at a time when life was not very amusing; it was published at the end of 1917; was reviewed, if at all, as one of a parcel, by some brisk uncle from the Tiny Tots Department; and died quietly, without seriously detracting from the interest which was being taken in the World War, then in progress.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading When, as sometimes happens, I am introduced to a stranger who starts the conversation on the right lines by praising, however insincerely, my books, I always say, "But you have not read the best one."