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Toilers of Babylon: A Novel
Toilers of Babylon: A Novel

Chapter XXV

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Context Illustration Reading 1/14 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Toilers of Babylon: A Novel

Chapter XXV

Reading 1/14 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.
Line 2
The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.
Line 3
A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.
Line 4
There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.
Line 5
There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.

Learner Dictionary

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

Around preposition US /ərˈaʊnd/

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading “A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.”

Before preposition US /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading “At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.”

Beginning noun US /ˈbeginning/

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

From this reading “A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.”

Beneath preposition US /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading “A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.”

Between preposition US /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading “There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.”

During preposition US /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading “At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.”

First noun US /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.”

Grasp noun US /ɡræsp/

a firm hold in a specific situation in this story

From this reading “A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.”

Great noun US /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.”

Have auxiliary verb US /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading “The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.”

Having auxiliary verb US /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading “A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.”

Strength noun US /ˈstrength/

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

From this reading “A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.”

Take noun US /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.”

Themselves pronoun US /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading “A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.”

These determiner US /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading “The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.”

Those determiner US /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading “There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.”

Time noun US /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.”

Upon preposition US /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading “At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.”

Weakness noun US /ˈwiːknəs/

a lack of physical strength

From this reading “A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

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

From this reading “There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.”

All words in this reading · 127

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 The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

acquaintance

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

advent

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

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

affinity

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

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

any

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

From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/

surrounding, or on every side of, something

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

AtprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

audacious

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

became

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

beforeprepositionUS /bɪˈfɔːr/

earlier than; in front of

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

beginningnounUS /ˈbeginning/

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

beneathprepositionUS /bɪˈniːθ/

Directly under; in or to a lower position than.

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

bolder

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

centuries

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

certain

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

changes

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

cheap

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

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

classes

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

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

condition

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

decay

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

dominated

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

From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

effrontery

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

From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.

end

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

eyes

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

From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.

firm

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

firmly

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

firstnounUS /first/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

fixed

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

going

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

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

graspnounUS /ɡræsp/

a firm hold in a specific situation in this story

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

greatnounUS /great/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

grooves

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

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

growth

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

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/

the -ing form of “have”

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

height

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

From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.

higher

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

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

hold

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

idea

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

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

incredibly

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

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

institutions

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

known

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

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

lower

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

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

monstrous

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

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

moved

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

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

now

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

number

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

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

old

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

other

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

From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

people

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

period

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

personages

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

pertinent

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From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

place

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From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

play

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From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

political

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From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

press

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

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

raising

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From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.

regarded

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From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

reintroduced

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From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

renew

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From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

roots

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

ruled

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

From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.

said

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

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

scarcely

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

seeds

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From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

seventeen

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From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

show

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

signs

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

slender

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

slow

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

social

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From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

soil

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

sown

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

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

story

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

stoutly

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

strengthnounUS /ˈstrength/

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

stronger

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

takenounUS /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

taken

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

themselvespronounUS /ðemˈselvz/

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

There

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

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading The growth of these changes had been going on for a great number of years, and the seeds may be said to have been sown with the advent of the cheap press.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

timenounUS /time/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

timid

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

From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

touch

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

way

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

From this reading There was a time when the lower classes themselves would have regarded as the height of effrontery the idea of raising their eyes in any other than a timid way to the higher classes who ruled and dominated them.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

weaknessnounUS /ˈwiːknəs/

a lack of physical strength

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

winding

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

From this reading A slow growth at first, the slender roots beneath the soil having scarcely strength to take firm hold; but as they became stronger they became bolder, and were now winding themselves firmly and stoutly around the roots of the old institutions which, fixed as they had been for centuries, were in this audacious grasp beginning to show signs of weakness and decay.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

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

From this reading There was a time when what is known as the higher classes would have regarded as incredibly monstrous the idea of affinity between them and those who moved in the lower grooves.

years

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

From this reading At the end of seventeen years we renew our acquaintance with the personages who play their part in this story; but before they are reintroduced it will be pertinent to touch upon certain political changes which had taken place in the social condition of the people during this period.