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 is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
againnounUS /again/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
almost
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From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
alonenounUS /alone/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It is for these reasons that we give to cold, inanimate nature epithets that truly belong to man’s nobility alone.
ambition
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From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
ample
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From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
andeterminerUS /æn/
the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
ardour
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From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
barque
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From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
belong
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From this reading It is for these reasons that we give to cold, inanimate nature epithets that truly belong to man’s nobility alone.
beneficial
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From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
blaze
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From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
boat
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From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
brook
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From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
built
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From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
chance
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From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
cities
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
cold
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From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
commenced
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From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
consequently
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From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
consists
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From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
cottages
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From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
dazzled
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From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
degrees
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From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
domination
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From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
entire
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From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
epithets
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From this reading It is for these reasons that we give to cold, inanimate nature epithets that truly belong to man’s nobility alone.
erection
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From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
everydeterminerUS /ˈevəri/
all the members of a group, with none left out
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
evil
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From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
exclusive
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From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
exercise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
existence
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From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
farmsteads
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
few
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
flow
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It is for these reasons that we give to cold, inanimate nature epithets that truly belong to man’s nobility alone.
foundation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
foundations
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
fromprepositionUS /frʌm/
showing where something starts, or who sent it
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is for these reasons that we give to cold, inanimate nature epithets that truly belong to man’s nobility alone.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
gold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
hamlets
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From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
happiness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
heat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
hills
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
humble
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From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
huts
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
inanimate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is for these reasons that we give to cold, inanimate nature epithets that truly belong to man’s nobility alone.
Indies
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
influence
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From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/
moving to the inside of something
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
latter
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From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
light
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
like
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
lordly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
man's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is for these reasons that we give to cold, inanimate nature epithets that truly belong to man’s nobility alone.
margin
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
mills
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
modest
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
mountain
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
nature
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is for these reasons that we give to cold, inanimate nature epithets that truly belong to man’s nobility alone.
nobility
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is for these reasons that we give to cold, inanimate nature epithets that truly belong to man’s nobility alone.
noble
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
others
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From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/
above and across; more than
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
palaces
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
paltry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
permit
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
place
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
poornounUS /poor/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
ports
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From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
position
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From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
Potosi
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
presides
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
pride
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
protected
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From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
proud
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
reasonsnounUS /ˈreasons/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading It is for these reasons that we give to cold, inanimate nature epithets that truly belong to man’s nobility alone.
recesses
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
refuge
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
refused
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
remainednounUS /ˈremained/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
rested
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From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
sailing
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From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
sea-shore
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
seen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
selfish
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From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
shade
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From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
sheltered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
ships
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
silencenounUS /ˈsaɪ.ləns/
Complete absence of sound; a state of quietness and stillness.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
simple
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
situation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
social
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
sound
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
succeed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
supreme
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
taken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
terrifiedadjectiveUS /ˈterəfaɪd/
extremely frightened
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
thedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading It is for these reasons that we give to cold, inanimate nature epithets that truly belong to man’s nobility alone.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
tiny
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
topographical
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
tranquil
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
truly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It is for these reasons that we give to cold, inanimate nature epithets that truly belong to man’s nobility alone.
unknown
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
valley
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
vessels
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
villages
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
wepronounUS /wiː/
the speaker together with one or more other people
From this reading It is for these reasons that we give to cold, inanimate nature epithets that truly belong to man’s nobility alone.
wealth
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading There are noble cities which, in their selfish pride of place, have refused to permit the erection even of a few humble cottages on the mountain on which their foundations rested: their domination must be exclusive and supreme; consequently they have remained as poor as they are proud.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading There are, again, others that have commenced their existence as paltry hamlets on the sea-shore, and which, by degrees, have seen sailing vessels succeed the simple boat, and noble ships the tiny barque--whose modest huts have given place to lordly palaces, while the gold of Potosi and the wealth of the Indies flow into their ample ports.
whole
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
whosedeterminerUS /huːz/
belonging to which person
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading It is with cities as with men--chance presides over their foundation; and the topographical situation of the first, and the social position of the latter, exercise a beneficial or an evil influence over their entire existence.
withoutprepositionUS /wɪˈθaʊt/
not having, not using, or not accompanied by
From this reading There are villages so humble as to have taken refuge in the recesses of the valley--have built their farmsteads, mills, and cottages on the margin of a brook, and, protected by the hills that sheltered them from heat and cold, have passed an almost unknown and tranquil life, like that of men without ardour and without ambition--terrified by every sound, dazzled by every blaze of light, and whose whole happiness consists in shade and silence.
