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The Celibates
The Celibates

Chapter I

Cover illustration for The Celibates
Context Illustration Reading 1/687 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
_Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.
Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.
Two at least of the component parts, however, are of very high excellence.
I do not myself think that _Pierrette_, which opens the series, is quite the equal of its companions.
Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
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A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Celibates

Chapter I

Reading 1/687 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
_Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.
Line 2
Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.
Line 3
Two at least of the component parts, however, are of very high excellence.
Line 4
I do not myself think that _Pierrette_, which opens the series, is quite the equal of its companions.
Line 5
Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

Learner Dictionary

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

However adverb US /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading “Two at least of the component parts, however, are of very high excellence.”

Least noun US /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Two at least of the component parts, however, are of very high excellence.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.”

Myself pronoun US /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading “I do not myself think that _Pierrette_, which opens the series, is quite the equal of its companions.”

Next noun US /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “_Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.”

Perhaps noun US /perhaps/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.”

Quite noun US /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.”

Think noun US /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “I do not myself think that _Pierrette_, which opens the series, is quite the equal of its companions.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “_Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.”

While conjunction US /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading “Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.”

All words in this reading · 111

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 _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

all

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

Anna

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

any

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

artificiality

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Two at least of the component parts, however, are of very high excellence.

attempts

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

bachelors

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

Balzac's

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

bond

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

book

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

Celibataires

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

Comedie

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

companions

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

From this reading I do not myself think that _Pierrette_, which opens the series, is quite the equal of its companions.

component

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

From this reading Two at least of the component parts, however, are of very high excellence.

connected

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

connection

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

Countess

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

de

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

doauxiliary verbUS /duː/

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading I do not myself think that _Pierrette_, which opens the series, is quite the equal of its companions.

elaborate

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

equal

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

From this reading I do not myself think that _Pierrette_, which opens the series, is quite the equal of its companions.

establish

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

excellence

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

From this reading Two at least of the component parts, however, are of very high excellence.

fix

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

French

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

future

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

general

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

ground

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

Hanska

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

hard

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

heroes

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

heroines

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

high

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

From this reading Two at least of the component parts, however, are of very high excellence.

howeveradverbUS /ˌhaʊˈevər/

used to add a contrasting statement

From this reading Two at least of the component parts, however, are of very high excellence.

Humaine

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading I do not myself think that _Pierrette_, which opens the series, is quite the equal of its companions.

Illusions

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

Indeed

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading I do not myself think that _Pierrette_, which opens the series, is quite the equal of its companions.

leastnounUS /least/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Two at least of the component parts, however, are of very high excellence.

Les

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

like

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

longest

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

maids

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

most

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I do not myself think that _Pierrette_, which opens the series, is quite the equal of its companions.

necessarily

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

nextnounUS /next/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

number

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

old

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

opens

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

From this reading I do not myself think that _Pierrette_, which opens the series, is quite the equal of its companions.

original

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

other

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

partakes

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

particular

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

partnership

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

parts

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

From this reading Two at least of the component parts, however, are of very high excellence.

perdues

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

perhaps

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

person

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

Pierrette

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

From this reading I do not myself think that _Pierrette_, which opens the series, is quite the equal of its companions.

pretty

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

quitenounUS /quite/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

rather

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From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

said

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From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

series

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From this reading I do not myself think that _Pierrette_, which opens the series, is quite the equal of its companions.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

single

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

step-daughter

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

story

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

sufficient

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From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

suit

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

thinknounUS /think/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading I do not myself think that _Pierrette_, which opens the series, is quite the equal of its companions.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

three

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

title

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

true

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

Two

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From this reading Two at least of the component parts, however, are of very high excellence.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

union

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

unity

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

From this reading _Les Celibataires_, the longest number of the original _Comedie Humaine_ under a single title, next to _Illusions perdues_, is not, like that book, connected by any unity of story.

unlikely

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

unprompted

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

very

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

From this reading Two at least of the component parts, however, are of very high excellence.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

weak

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading I do not myself think that _Pierrette_, which opens the series, is quite the equal of its companions.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading Indeed, the general bond of union is pretty weak; and though it is quite true that bachelors and old maids are the heroes and heroines of all three, it would be rather hard to establish any other bond of connection, and it is rather unlikely that any one unprompted would fix on this as a sufficient ground of partnership.

Written

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.

young

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

From this reading Written, as it was, for Countess Anna de Hanska, Balzac's step-daughter of the future, while she was still very young, it partakes necessarily of the rather elaborate artificiality of all attempts to suit the young person, of French attempts in particular, and it may perhaps be said of Balzac's attempts most of all.