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The Jungle
The Jungle

Chapter X

Cover illustration for The Jungle
Context Illustration Reading 1/29 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.
The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.
Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.
She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.
So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.
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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 Jungle

Chapter X

Reading 1/29 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.
Line 2
The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.
Line 3
Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.
Line 4
She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.
Line 5
So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

Learner Dictionary

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

About preposition US /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading “Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.”

Along preposition US /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading “She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.”

Anything pronoun US /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading “During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.”

Could modal verb US /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading “She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.”

Entirely noun US /ˈentirely/

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

From this reading “Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.”

Even noun US /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.”

Found noun US /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.”

Hand noun US /hand/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.”

Still noun US /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.”

Though conjunction US /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading “She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.”

Until preposition US /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading “So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.”

Wages plural noun US /ˈweɪdʒɪz/

money or a reward earned for work

From this reading “The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.”

Went noun US /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.”

Without preposition US /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading “She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.”

All words in this reading · 119

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 During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.

all

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

almost

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

From this reading Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

anxious

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

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

anythingpronounUS /ˈeniθɪŋ/

any thing at all

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

back

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

become

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

board

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

burden

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

came

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

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

canning

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

From this reading Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.

conferences

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

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

day

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

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

debts

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

despair

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

From this reading Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.

dollars

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

DuringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

early

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

earnings

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

Elzbieta

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

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

enough

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

entirelynounUS /ˈentirely/

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

From this reading Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.

evennounUS /even/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

factory

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

From this reading Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.

family

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

fell

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

figure

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

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

five

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.

foundnounUS /found/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

get

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

give

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

gone

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

From this reading Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

hand

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

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

hanging

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

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.

hold

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

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

how

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

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

idea

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.

Jurgis

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

late

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

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

likely

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

literally

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

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

live

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

living

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

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

longer

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

manage

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

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

Marija

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

From this reading Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.

marrying

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

matter

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

money

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

month's

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

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

mouth

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

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

night

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

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

nine

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

Ona

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

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

owed

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

pay

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

reopening

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

From this reading Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.

savings

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

From this reading Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.

ShepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

six

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

SoconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

soon

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

spare

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

spring

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

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

starvation

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

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

starving

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

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

stillnounUS /still/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

ten

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

Teta

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

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

then

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

there

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

thus

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

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

too

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

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

trying

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

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

untilprepositionUS /ənˈtɪl/

up to a particular time

From this reading So Jurgis and Ona and Teta Elzbieta would hold anxious conferences until late at night, trying to figure how they could manage this too without starving.

up

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

wagesplural nounUS /ˈweɪdʒɪz/

money or a reward earned for work

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

week

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

wentnounUS /went/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The winter went, and the spring came, and found them still living thus from hand to mouth, hanging on day by day, with literally not a month’s wages between them and starvation.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

winter

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

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading During the early part of the winter the family had had money enough to live and a little over to pay their debts with; but when the earnings of Jurgis fell from nine or ten dollars a week to five or six, there was no longer anything to spare.

withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/

not having, not using, or not accompanied by

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.

word

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

From this reading Marija was in despair, for there was still no word about the reopening of the canning factory, and her savings were almost entirely gone.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading She had had to give up all idea of marrying then; the family could not get along without her—though for that matter she was likely soon to become a burden even upon them, for when her money was all gone, they would have to pay back what they owed her in board.