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Poor Relations
Poor Relations

Chapter I

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Context Illustration Reading 1/82 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
_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.
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.
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.
Of these things it is never possible to be certain; as to the greatness of _La Cousine Bette_, there is no uncertainty.
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_.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Poor Relations

Chapter I

Reading 1/82 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
_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.
Line 2
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.
Line 3
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.
Line 4
Of these things it is never possible to be certain; as to the greatness of _La Cousine Bette_, there is no uncertainty.
Line 5
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_.

Learner Dictionary

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

Been auxiliary verb US /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.”

Before preposition US /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.”

Being auxiliary verb US /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.”

Beyond preposition US /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.”

Books noun US /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_.”

Different noun US /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_.”

Even noun US /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.”

Except preposition US /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_.”

First noun US /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_.”

Great noun US /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.”

Has auxiliary verb US /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.”

Last noun US /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.”

Long noun US /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_.”

Never noun US /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.”

One pronoun US /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.”

Perhaps noun US /perhaps/

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.”

Question noun US /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.”

Seeing noun US /seeing/

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.”

Sometimes noun US /sometimes/

an important story-specific word used 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.”

Still noun US /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_.”

Strength noun US /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.”

These determiner US /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.”

Thing noun US /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.”

Think noun US /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_.”

Without preposition US /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.”

All words in this reading · 137

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

1846

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.

47

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.

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

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.

all

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.

almost

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.

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

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_.

asserted

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.

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

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.

autumn

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.

Balzac

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.

Balzac's

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.

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

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.

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

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_.

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

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_.

broke

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.

Celibataires

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_.

certain

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.

clear

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.

coming

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.

Constitutionnel

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.

contrary

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.

Courtisanes

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_.

Cousin

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.

Cousine

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.

departure

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.

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

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_.

down

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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_.

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

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_.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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_.

now

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.

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

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.

Perdues

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_.

perhaps

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.

Petits

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_.

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

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.

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.