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1846
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From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
47
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From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
actually
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From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
all
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From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
almost
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From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading Of these things it is never possible to be certain; as to the greatness of _La Cousine Bette_, there is no uncertainty.
aside
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From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
asserted
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From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
author's
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From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
autumn
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From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
Balzac
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From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
Balzac's
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From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading Of these things it is never possible to be certain; as to the greatness of _La Cousine Bette_, there is no uncertainty.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/
earlier than; in front of
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/
the -ing form of “be”
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
Bette
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From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
beyondprepositionUS /bɪˈɑːnd/
on the far side of; further than
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
book
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From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
booksnounUS /bʊks/
Bound written or printed works.
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
Bourgeois
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From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
broke
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From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
Celibataires
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From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
certain
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From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
clear
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From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
coming
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From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
Constitutionnel
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From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
contrary
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From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
Courtisanes
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From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
Cousin
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From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
Cousine
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From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
departure
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From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
des
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
differentnounUS /ˈdifferent/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
doubtful
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From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
down
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From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
early
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
et
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/
apart from; not including
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
follows
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From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
gigantic
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From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
greatest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
greatness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of these things it is never possible to be certain; as to the greatness of _La Cousine Bette_, there is no uncertainty.
groups
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From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
hard
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From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
highest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
IpronounUS /aɪ/
the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
Illusions
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From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
indebtedness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
La
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
labor
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From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
lastnounUS /last/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
later
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
Le
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
Les
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
less
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From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
longnounUS /long/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
longest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
many
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From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
Miseres
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
money
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
nevernounUS /never/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Of these things it is never possible to be certain; as to the greatness of _La Cousine Bette_, there is no uncertainty.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading Of these things it is never possible to be certain; as to the greatness of _La Cousine Bette_, there is no uncertainty.
novels
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From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
now
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From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
object
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
off
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
parts
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From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
Perdues
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From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
perhaps
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From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
Petits
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From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
Pons
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
possible
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
pressure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
proof
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
putting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
questionnounUS /ˈquestion/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
rather
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
ready
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
really
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
scarcely
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From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
secure
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
seeing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
sometimes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
Splendeurs
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
spring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
stillnounUS /still/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
straw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
strengthnounUS /ˈstrength/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
sum
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
system
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
there
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of these things it is never possible to be certain; as to the greatness of _La Cousine Bette_, there is no uncertainty.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading Of these things it is never possible to be certain; as to the greatness of _La Cousine Bette_, there is no uncertainty.
thingnounUS /thing/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of these things it is never possible to be certain; as to the greatness of _La Cousine Bette_, there is no uncertainty.
thinknounUS /think/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
times
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
top
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.
uncertainty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Of these things it is never possible to be certain; as to the greatness of _La Cousine Bette_, there is no uncertainty.
usual
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
Vierzschovnia
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
winter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading It was written at the highest possible pressure, and (contrary to the author's more usual system) in parts, without even seeing a proof, for the _Constitutionnel_ in the autumn, winter, and early spring of 1846-47, before his departure from Vierzschovnia, the object being to secure a certain sum of ready money to clear off indebtedness.
work
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In the first place, it is a very long book for Balzac; it is, I think, putting aside books like _Les Illusions Perdues_, and _Les Celibataires_, and _Splendeurs et Miseres des Courtisanes_, which are really groups of work written at different times, the longest of all his novels, if we except the still later and rather doubtful _Petits Bourgeois_.
works
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
written
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading _La Cousine Bette_ was perhaps the last really great thing that Balzac did--for _Le Cousin Pons_, which now follows it, was actually written before--and it is beyond all question one of the very greatest of his works.
years
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And it has been sometimes asserted that this labor, coming on the top of many years of scarcely less hard works, was almost the last straw which broke down Balzac's gigantic strength.