Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Muse of the Department
The Muse of the Department

Chapter III

Cover illustration for The Muse of the Department
Context Illustration Reading 1/32 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.
Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?
But if in the country the husbands are inferior beings, the bachelors are no less so.
When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.
Dinah was preserved from this danger by the idea impressed upon her of her own superiority.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
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 Muse of the Department

Chapter III

Reading 1/32 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.
Line 2
Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?
Line 3
But if in the country the husbands are inferior beings, the bachelors are no less so.
Line 4
When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.
Line 5
Dinah was preserved from this danger by the idea impressed upon her of her own superiority.

Learner Dictionary

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

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?”

Besides preposition US /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading “But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.”

Handsome noun US /ˈhandsome/

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

From this reading “When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?”

Herself pronoun US /hərˈself/

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading “Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?”

Something pronoun US /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading “Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?”

Terrible noun US /ˈterrible/

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

From this reading “But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.”

Third noun US /third/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “Dinah was preserved from this danger by the idea impressed upon her of her own superiority.”

Well noun US /well/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.”

All words in this reading · 110

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 But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading But if in the country the husbands are inferior beings, the bachelors are no less so.

arid

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

assurance

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

bachelors

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

From this reading But if in the country the husbands are inferior beings, the bachelors are no less so.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

beings

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

From this reading But if in the country the husbands are inferior beings, the bachelors are no less so.

besidesprepositionUS /bɪˈsaɪdz/

in addition to; as well as

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

bottom

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

chosen

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

commits

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

commonplace

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

congenital

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

conjugal

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

consulted

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

contributes

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

country

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

From this reading But if in the country the husbands are inferior beings, the bachelors are no less so.

dandy

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

danger

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

From this reading Dinah was preserved from this danger by the idea impressed upon her of her own superiority.

Dinah

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

From this reading Dinah was preserved from this danger by the idea impressed upon her of her own superiority.

distort

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

dressed

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

element

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

existence

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

falls

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

fancy

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

fatally

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

figure

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

flattering

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Dinah was preserved from this danger by the idea impressed upon her of her own superiority.

gloomy

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

gloves

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

handsomenounUS /ˈhandsome/

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

herselfpronounUS /hərˈself/

used when the woman or girl doing the action is also its object

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

husbands

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

From this reading But if in the country the husbands are inferior beings, the bachelors are no less so.

idea

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

From this reading Dinah was preserved from this danger by the idea impressed upon her of her own superiority.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

impressed

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

From this reading Dinah was preserved from this danger by the idea impressed upon her of her own superiority.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

indigenous

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

inferior

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

From this reading But if in the country the husbands are inferior beings, the bachelors are no less so.

inferiority

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

knows

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

lay

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

less

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

From this reading But if in the country the husbands are inferior beings, the bachelors are no less so.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

love

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

man

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

marriage

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

more

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

most

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

narrow

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

native

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading But if in the country the husbands are inferior beings, the bachelors are no less so.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

own

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

From this reading Dinah was preserved from this danger by the idea impressed upon her of her own superiority.

preserved

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

From this reading Dinah was preserved from this danger by the idea impressed upon her of her own superiority.

provincial

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

pursuit

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

reduce

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

revenge

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

ride

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

sin

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

so-called

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

some

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/

a thing, without saying which

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

soul

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

superior

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

superiority

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

From this reading Dinah was preserved from this danger by the idea impressed upon her of her own superiority.

supposed

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

tastes

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

terriblenounUS /ˈterrible/

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

there

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

thirdnounUS /third/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Dinah was preserved from this danger by the idea impressed upon her of her own superiority.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

unctions

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading Dinah was preserved from this danger by the idea impressed upon her of her own superiority.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading Dinah was preserved from this danger by the idea impressed upon her of her own superiority.

wears

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

well

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

wherein

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading But there is a third and terrible element besides her congenital and conjugal inferiority which contributes to make the figure arid and gloomy; to reduce it, narrow it, distort it fatally.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

wife

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.

wittingly

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

woman

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

From this reading Is not one of the most flattering unctions a woman can lay to her soul the assurance of being something in the existence of a superior man, chosen by herself, wittingly, as if to have some revenge on marriage, wherein her tastes were so little consulted?

youth

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

From this reading When a provincial wife commits her “little sin,” she falls in love with some so-called handsome native, some indigenous dandy, a youth who wears gloves and is supposed to ride well; but she knows at the bottom of her soul that her fancy is in pursuit of the commonplace, more or less well dressed.