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 CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
according
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
always
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
anothernounUS /ˈanother/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
Antonio
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
appreciates
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
aroundprepositionUS /ərˈaʊnd/
surrounding, or on every side of, something
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
becauseconjunctionUS /bɪˈkɔːz/
for the reason that
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading But when they are otherwise one cannot form a good opinion of him, for the prime error which he made was in choosing them.
byprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
cannot
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But when they are otherwise one cannot form a good opinion of him, for the prime error which he made was in choosing them.
capable
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
choice
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
choosing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But when they are otherwise one cannot form a good opinion of him, for the prime error which he made was in choosing them.
classes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
clever
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
comprehended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
comprehends
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
CONCERNING
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
consider
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
considered
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
da
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
discrimination
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
error
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But when they are otherwise one cannot form a good opinion of him, for the prime error which he made was in choosing them.
excellent
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
faithfulnounUS /ˈfaithful/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
firstnounUS /first/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading But when they are otherwise one cannot form a good opinion of him, for the prime error which he made was in choosing them.
form
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But when they are otherwise one cannot form a good opinion of him, for the prime error which he made was in choosing them.
forms
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/
the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
importance
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading But when they are otherwise one cannot form a good opinion of him, for the prime error which he made was in choosing them.
intellects
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
itselfpronounUS /ˌɪtˈself/
used when the thing doing the action is also its object
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
keep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
knew
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
known
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
made
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But when they are otherwise one cannot form a good opinion of him, for the prime error which he made was in choosing them.
man
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
maymodal verbUS /meɪ/
used to say something is possible, or to give permission
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
Messer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
most
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
neitherdeterminerUS /ˈniːðər/
not one and not the other of two
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
nodeterminerUS /noʊ/
not any; not one
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
nonepronounUS /nʌn/
not one, and not any
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
norconjunctionUS /nɔːr/
and not; used after a negative to add a second negative
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
observing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
OFprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
opinion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
others
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
otherwise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But when they are otherwise one cannot form a good opinion of him, for the prime error which he made was in choosing them.
Pandolfo
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
Petrucci
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
prime
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading But when they are otherwise one cannot form a good opinion of him, for the prime error which he made was in choosing them.
prince
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
PRINCES
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
recognize
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
second
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
SECRETARIES
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
servant
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
servants
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
showing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
Siena
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
thempronounUS /ðem/
the people or things already mentioned, as the object
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
thirdnounUS /third/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading CONCERNING THE SECRETARIES OF PRINCES The choice of servants is of no little importance to a prince, and they are good or not according to the discrimination of the prince.
understanding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
useless
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
Venafro
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
very
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading But when they are otherwise one cannot form a good opinion of him, for the prime error which he made was in choosing them.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
whatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading Because there are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehended; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, the third is useless.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
whopronounUS /huː/
which person or people
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
wise
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading And the first opinion which one forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading There were none who knew Messer Antonio da Venafro as the servant of Pandolfo Petrucci, Prince of Siena, who would not consider Pandolfo to be a very clever man in having Venafro for his servant.
