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Twelve Men
Twelve Men

Chapter XI

Cover illustration for Twelve Men
Context Illustration Reading 1/86 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.
He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.
"What sort of person is this Burridge over here?
He keeps such a peculiar store."
"Elihu is a bit peculiar," he replied, his smile betraying a desire to appear conservative.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Twelve Men

Chapter XI

Reading 1/86 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.
Line 2
He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.
Line 3
"What sort of person is this Burridge over here?
Line 4
He keeps such a peculiar store."
Line 5
"Elihu is a bit peculiar," he replied, his smile betraying a desire to appear conservative.

Learner Dictionary

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

Began noun US /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.”

Here noun US /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"What sort of person is this Burridge over here?”

One pronoun US /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading “Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.”

Over preposition US /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading “"What sort of person is this Burridge over here?”

Replied noun US /replied/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “"Elihu is a bit peculiar," he replied, his smile betraying a desire to appear conservative.”

Surprised noun US /surprised/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.”

Thinking noun US /thinking/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.”

All words in this reading · 64

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 He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

appear

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

barber

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

begannounUS /began/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

betraying

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

From this reading "Elihu is a bit peculiar," he replied, his smile betraying a desire to appear conservative.

bit

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

From this reading "Elihu is a bit peculiar," he replied, his smile betraying a desire to appear conservative.

Burridge

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

From this reading "What sort of person is this Burridge over here?

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

conditions

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

conservative

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

From this reading "Elihu is a bit peculiar," he replied, his smile betraying a desire to appear conservative.

conspicuous

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

desire

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

Elihu

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

From this reading "Elihu is a bit peculiar," he replied, his smile betraying a desire to appear conservative.

evening

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

factor

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

hair

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

happened

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

HepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

herenounUS /here/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "What sort of person is this Burridge over here?

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading "Elihu is a bit peculiar," he replied, his smile betraying a desire to appear conservative.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

individual

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

inquisitive

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading "What sort of person is this Burridge over here?

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

keeps

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

From this reading He keeps such a peculiar store."

lean

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

local

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

ordinary

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

overprepositionUS /ˈoʊvər/

above and across; more than

From this reading "What sort of person is this Burridge over here?

peculiar

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

From this reading He keeps such a peculiar store."

person

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

From this reading "What sort of person is this Burridge over here?

possible

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

produced

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

repliednounUS /replied/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading "Elihu is a bit peculiar," he replied, his smile betraying a desire to appear conservative.

sandy

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

sharp

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

shock

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

smile

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

From this reading "Elihu is a bit peculiar," he replied, his smile betraying a desire to appear conservative.

social

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

sort

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

From this reading "What sort of person is this Burridge over here?

standards

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

store

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

From this reading He keeps such a peculiar store."

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading He keeps such a peculiar store."

SurprisednounUS /surprised/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

thinkingnounUS /thinking/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

trade

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

variation

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

well-rounded

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

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.

WhatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading "What sort of person is this Burridge over here?

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading Surprised by this sharp variation from the ordinary standards of trade, I began thinking of possible conditions which had produced it, when one evening I happened in on the local barber.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading He was a lean, inquisitive individual with a shock of sandy hair and a conspicuous desire to appear a well-rounded social factor.