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The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe
The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe

Chapter XVI · Safe Arrival in England

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Context Illustration Reading 1/19 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.
He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.
The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.
I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.
They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.
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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.

The Further Adventures of Robinson Crusoe

Chapter XVI · Safe Arrival in England

Reading 1/19 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.
Line 2
He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.
Line 3
The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.
Line 4
I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.
Line 5
They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

Learner Dictionary

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

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.”

Began noun US /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.”

Ever noun US /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.”

Exchanged noun US /ˈexchanged/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.”

Fine noun US /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.”

Found noun US /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.”

Interrupted noun US /ˈinterrupted/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.”

Life noun US /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.”

Looked noun US /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.”

Mine pronoun US /maɪn/

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading “They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.”

Myself pronoun US /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading “I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.”

Ourselves pronoun US /aʊərˈselvz/

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading “They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.”

Seemed noun US /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.”

Since preposition US /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading “I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.”

Surprised noun US /surprised/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.”

Told noun US /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.”

Under preposition US /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading “I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.”

Within preposition US /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading “They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.”

All words in this reading · 131

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 It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

absolute

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

abundance

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

authority

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

banished

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

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

begannounUS /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

belonging

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

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

bring

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

calm

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

case

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

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

cease

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

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

certain

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

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

circumstances

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

court

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

Czar

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

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

discourse

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

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

dominion

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

dominions

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

down

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

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

Emperor

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

enjoyed

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

especially

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

evernounUS /ever/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

exceedingly

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

exchangednounUS /ˈexchanged/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

explained

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

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

eyes

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

From this reading The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.

felicity

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

finenounUS /fine/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

fixing

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

From this reading The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

grandee

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

From this reading The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.

greater

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

greatest

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

greatness

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

height

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

highest

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.

how

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

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

human

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

interruptednounUS /ˈinterrupted/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

island

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

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

just

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

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

large

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

lifenounUS /life/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.

living

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

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

lookednounUS /looked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.

magnificence

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

managed

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

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

many

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

master

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

masters

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

mepronounUS /miː/

the person speaking, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

meant

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

From this reading The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.

minepronounUS /maɪn/

the one or ones belonging to the person speaking

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

ministers

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

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

minuted

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

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

more

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

Muscovy

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

mydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

myselfpronounUS /ˌmaɪˈself/

used when the speaker is also the object of the action

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

night

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

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

ourselvespronounUS /aʊərˈselvz/

used when we are both doing the action and receiving it

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

particular

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

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

people

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

power

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

powerful

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

prince

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

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

retirement

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

Russian

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

From this reading The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.

Russians

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

said

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

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

seemednounUS /seemed/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

sigh

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

sinceprepositionUS /sɪns/

from a time in the past until now

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

state

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

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

steadily

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

From this reading The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.

storms

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

story

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

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

surprisednounUS /surprised/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.

taken

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

talking

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

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

telling

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

tempers

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

then

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

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

there

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

TheypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

things

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

toldnounUS /told/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

true

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

underprepositionUS /ˈʌndər/

below or beneath something; less than

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

weight

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading He had been telling me abundance of fine things of the greatness, the magnificence, the dominions, and the absolute power of the Emperor of the Russians: I interrupted him, and told him I was a greater and more powerful prince than ever the Czar was, though my dominion were not so large, or my people so many.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

wisdom

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

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading It was talking one night with a certain prince, one of the banished ministers of state belonging to the Czar, that the discourse of my particular case began.

withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading They were exceedingly taken with the story, and especially the prince, who told me, with a sigh, that the true greatness of life was to be masters of ourselves; that he would not have exchanged such a state of life as mine to be Czar of Muscovy; and that he found more felicity in the retirement he seemed to be banished to there, than ever he found in the highest authority he enjoyed in the court of his master the Czar; that the height of human wisdom was to bring our tempers down to our circumstances, and to make a calm within, under the weight of the greatest storms without.

wonder

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

From this reading The Russian grandee looked a little surprised, and, fixing his eyes steadily upon me, began to wonder what I meant.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading I said his wonder would cease when I had explained myself, and told him the story at large of my living in the island; and then how I managed both myself and the people that were under me, just as I have since minuted it down.