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Second String
Second String

Chapter XXIII

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Context Illustration Reading 1/69 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
A STOP-GAP.
Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.
Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.
He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.
The interview held one or two surprises for him.
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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.

Second String

Chapter XXIII

Reading 1/69 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A STOP-GAP.
Line 2
Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.
Line 3
Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.
Line 4
He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.
Line 5
The interview held one or two surprises for him.

Learner Dictionary

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

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.”

Foot noun US /foot/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.”

Forward noun US /forward/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.”

Having auxiliary verb US /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading “Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.”

Himself pronoun US /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading “Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.”

Lest conjunction US /lest/

in order that something should not happen

From this reading “He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.”

Might modal verb US /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading “He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “The interview held one or two surprises for him.”

Ought modal verb US /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading “Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.”

All words in this reading · 69

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

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading A STOP-GAP.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

Andy

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

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

Any

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

From this reading Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.

assent

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

From this reading Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.

bringing

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

business

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

Co

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

end

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

From this reading Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.

entertained

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.

eyes

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

fearing

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

felt

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

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

FootnounUS /foot/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The interview held one or two surprises for him.

forwardnounUS /forward/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.

Gilbert

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

Gilly

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

From this reading Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.

go

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

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

growing

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

held

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

From this reading The interview held one or two surprises for him.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading The interview held one or two surprises for him.

himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/

used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

idea

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

immediate

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

From this reading Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

interview

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

From this reading The interview held one or two surprises for him.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

junior

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

lestconjunctionUS /lest/

in order that something should not happen

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

matter

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

mere

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

Meriton

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

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

nervous

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The interview held one or two surprises for him.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The interview held one or two surprises for him.

oughtmodal verbUS /ɔːt/

used with “to” to say what is right or advisable

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

partner

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

partner's

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

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

possessed

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

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

project

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

From this reading Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.

put

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

From this reading Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.

rather

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

reluctance

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

From this reading Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.

reluctant

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

From this reading Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.

seem

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

senior

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

STOP-GAP

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

From this reading A STOP-GAP.

surprises

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

From this reading The interview held one or two surprises for him.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

treason

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

two

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

From this reading The interview held one or two surprises for him.

views

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

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading He was rather nervous about bringing the matter forward, fearing lest the mere idea of it, entertained by the junior partner, might seem treason in the eyes of his senior in the growing business of Gilbert Foot and Co.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading Andy felt that he ought not to go to Meriton without having possessed himself of his partner's views.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Any reluctance--even a reluctant assent--from Gilly would put an immediate end to the project.