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 IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
according
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
againstprepositionUS /əˈɡenst/
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
agreeable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
altered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
always
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
anticipate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
aristocratic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
arrangement
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
belying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
better
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/
in the space, time, or range separating two things
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
blandishments
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
Boffin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
Boffin's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
bornnounUS /born/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
Bower
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
brief
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
complimentary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
considered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
corrupted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
creatures
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
dark
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
declined
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
discharge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
distrust
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
downward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
eminently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
Empire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
employed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
employer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
enervated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
EvennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
evening
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
family
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
far
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
fashion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
forth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
fortunes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
FRIENDLY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
governors
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
habits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
handsomely-remunerated
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
high
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
holding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
honourable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/
used to add a contrasting statement
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
humbug
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
imbecile
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
INprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
incompetent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
insolence
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
ISauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
legs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
literary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
mansion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
masters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
morningnounUS /morning/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
MOVE
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
Mr
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
nextnounUS /next/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
noble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
occasions
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
office
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
old
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
opposed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
ORIGINATED
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
paid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
places
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
position
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
present
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
pursue
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
qualified
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
quitenounUS /quite/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
refuge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
resented
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
rightnounUS /right/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
Roman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
rule
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
sallying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
seeking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
servant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
settle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
shown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
Silas
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
sometimes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/
used when the people doing the action are also its object
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/
the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
uniformly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
usually
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
vapid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Even those born governors, noble and right honourable creatures, who have been the most imbecile in high places, have uniformly shown themselves the most opposed (sometimes in belying distrust, sometimes in vapid insolence) to THEIR employer.
visits
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
Wegg
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
WHICHpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
whomsoever
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This was quite according to rule, for the incompetent servant, by whomsoever employed, is always against his employer.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
world
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
worse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading If Wegg had been worse paid for his office, or better qualified to discharge it, he would have considered these visits complimentary and agreeable; but, holding the position of a handsomely-remunerated humbug, he resented them.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading There were occasions, however, when Mr Boffin, seeking a brief refuge from the blandishments of fashion, would present himself at the Bower after dark, to anticipate the next sallying forth of Wegg, and would there, on the old settle, pursue the downward fortunes of those enervated and corrupted masters of the world who were by this time on their last legs.
yore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading IN WHICH A FRIENDLY MOVE IS ORIGINATED The arrangement between Mr Boffin and his literary man, Mr Silas Wegg, so far altered with the altered habits of Mr Boffin’s life, as that the Roman Empire usually declined in the morning and in the eminently aristocratic family mansion, rather than in the evening, as of yore, and in Boffin’s Bower.
