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adeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
absolute
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From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
agreed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
awake
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From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
back
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From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading This horseman could not be recognized in his cloak and slouched hat.
beams
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From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
bridle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
cast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
castle
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
chambre
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
cloak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This horseman could not be recognized in his cloak and slouched hat.
clock
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
commanding
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From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading This horseman could not be recognized in his cloak and slouched hat.
court
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
courts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
de
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From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
deficient
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
descendednounUS /ˈdescended/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
distance
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From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
disturb
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
door
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
dressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
dutynounUS /ˈduːti/
a responsibility that must be carried out
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
end
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
four
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From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
fright
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
hat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This horseman could not be recognized in his cloak and slouched hat.
HepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
himselfpronounUS /hɪmˈself/
used when the man or boy doing the action is also its object
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
holding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
horse
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
horseman
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
hour
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
hours
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
inquiring
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
king
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
lateral
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
lofty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
looknounUS /look/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
love
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
majestic
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
more
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
mounted
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
opened
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
palace
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
park
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
past
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From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
perceived
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From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
pointed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
possessed
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From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
preserve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
quarter
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
recognized
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From this reading This horseman could not be recognized in his cloak and slouched hat.
saw
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
scarcely
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From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
sent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
shed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
shutters
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
silencenounUS /ˈsaɪ.ləns/
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
sleeping
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
sleeplessness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
slouched
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading This horseman could not be recognized in his cloak and slouched hat.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
soundly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
sprang
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
staircase
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
sun
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/
used to introduce the second part of a comparison
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
thinkingnounUS /thinking/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading This horseman could not be recognized in his cloak and slouched hat.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
trees
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
turrets
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
two
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
up
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
valet
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He did not disturb his valet de chambre, who was sleeping soundly at some distance; he dressed himself, and the valet, in a great fright sprang up, thinking he had been deficient in his duty; but the king sent him back again, commanding him to preserve the most absolute silence.
wall
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He saw that it was the hour agreed upon: the great court clock pointed to a quarter past four.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading He then descended the little staircase, went out at a lateral door, and perceived at the end of the wall a mounted horseman holding another horse by the bridle.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
young
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The sun had scarcely shed its first beams on the majestic trees of the park and the lofty turrets of the castle, when the young king, who had been awake more than two hours, possessed by the sleeplessness of love, opened his shutters himself, and cast an inquiring look into the courts of the sleeping palace.
