The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery- page 15

On our earth we are obviously much too small to clean out our volcanoes.

• On: preposition indicating location or position [ɔn]
• our: belonging to us [ɑr]
• earth: the planet we live on [ərθ]
• we: the speaker and the people they are with [wi]
• are: present tense form of the verb 'to be' [ər]
• obviously: in a way that is easy to see or understand [ˈɑbviəsli]
• much: to a great degree or extent [məʧ]
• too: excessively [tu]
• small: limited in size [smɔl]
• to clean out: to remove the contents of something by cleaning [tɪ klin aʊt]
• our: belonging to us [ɑr]
• volcanoes: mountains with openings in the earth's crust from which molten rock, hot gas, and ash erupt [vɑlˈkeɪnoʊz]

That is why they bring no end of trouble upon us.

• That: used to identify a specific thing observed or heard by the speaker [ðət]
• is: present tense form of the verb 'to be' [ɪz]
• why: the reason for which [waɪ]
• they: referring to the volcanoes [ðeɪ]
• bring: to cause to come with someone or something to a place [brɪŋ]
• no end of: a large amount of [noʊ ɛnd əv]
• trouble: problems or difficulties [ˈtrəbəl]
• upon: formal way to say 'on' [əˈpɑn]
• us: the speaker and the people they are with [ˈjuˈɛs]

The little prince also pulled up, with a certain sense of dejection, the last little shoots of the baobabs.

• The: definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]
• little: small in size [ˈlɪtəl]
• prince: the son of a king or queen [prɪns]
• also: in addition; too [ˈɔlsoʊ]
• pulled up: removed from the ground [pʊld əp]
• with: accompanied by [wɪθ]
• a certain: some, but not specified [ə ˈsərtən]
• sense: a feeling or understanding [sɛns]
• of dejection: a feeling of sadness and disappointment [əv dejection]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]
• last: final [læst]
• little: small in size [ˈlɪtəl]
• shoots: new growth from a plant [ʃuts]
• of the baobabs: referring to the young plants of baobab trees [əv ðə baobabs]

He believed that he would never want to return.

• He: referring to the little prince [hi]
• believed: thought something was true [bɪˈlivd]
• that: used to introduce a subordinate clause [ðət]
• he: referring to the little prince [hi]
• would: used to express a conditional or future action [wʊd]
• never: at no time in the future [ˈnɛvər]
• want: to desire or wish for something [wɔnt]
• to return: to go back to a place [tɪ rɪˈtərn]

But on this last morning all these familiar tasks seemed very precious to him.

• But: however [bət]
• on: indicating a surface or a particular day or date [ɔn]
• this: referring to something nearby or present [ðɪs]
• last: final [læst]
• morning: the early part of the day [ˈmɔrnɪŋ]
• all: the whole number or quantity of [ɔl]
• these: referring to things nearby or present [ðiz]
• familiar: well-known or easily recognized [fəˈmɪljər]
• tasks: pieces of work to be done [tæsks]
• seemed: gave the impression of being [simd]
• very: extremely [ˈvɛri]
• precious: of great value; not to be wasted or treated carelessly [ˈprɛʃəs]
• to him: referring to the little prince [tɪ ɪm]

And when he watered the flower for the last time, and prepared to place her under the shelter of her glass globe, he realized that he was very close to tears.

• And: in addition [ənd]
• when: at the time that [wɪn]
• he: referring to the little prince [hi]
• watered: supplied with water [ˈwɔtərd]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]
• flower: the blossom of a plant [flaʊər]
• for: because of [fər]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]
• last: final [læst]
• time: an instance or occasion [taɪm]
• and: in addition [ənd]
• prepared: got ready [priˈpɛrd]
• to place: to put something in a particular position [tɪ pleɪs]
• her: belonging to the flower [hər]
• under: below or beneath [ˈəndər]
• the: definite article, referring to a specific thing [ðə]
• shelter: a place giving protection from bad weather or danger [ˈʃɛltər]
• of: belonging to [əv]
• her: belonging to the flower [hər]
• glass globe: a transparent sphere made of glass [glæs gloʊb]
• he: referring to the little prince [hi]
• realized: became aware of something [ˈriəˌlaɪzd]
• that: used to introduce a subordinate clause [ðət]
• he: referring to the little prince [hi]
• was: past tense form of the verb 'to be' [wɑz]
• very: extremely [ˈvɛri]
• close: near [kloʊz]
• to tears: on the verge of crying [tɪ tɪrz]

Ramonage.jpg

"Goodbye," he said to the flower.

• Goodbye: an expression of farewell or wishing someone well when they are leaving [ˌgʊdˈbaɪ]
• he: refers to a male person or character previously mentioned or known [hi]
• said: past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]
• to: expressing direction or location [tɪ]
• the flower: a specific flower being addressed [ðə flaʊər]

But she made no answer.

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• she: refers to a female person or character previously mentioned or known [ʃi]
• made: past tense of 'make', meaning to perform an action [meɪd]
• no answer: did not respond or reply [noʊ ˈænsər]

"Goodbye," he said again.

• Goodbye: an expression of farewell or wishing someone well when they are leaving [ˌgʊdˈbaɪ]
• he: refers to a male person or character previously mentioned or known [hi]
• said: past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]
• again: one more time; another time [əˈgɛn]

The flower coughed.

• The flower: a specific flower being referred to [ðə flaʊər]
• coughed: expelled air from the lungs suddenly and noisily [kɔft]

But it was not because she had a cold.

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• it: refers to the action of coughing [ɪt]
• was: past tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition [wɑz]
• not: used to negate a statement [nɑt]
• because: for the reason that [bɪˈkəz]
• she: refers to a female person or character previously mentioned or known [ʃi]
• had: past tense of 'have', indicating possession or experience [hæd]
• a cold: a common viral infection causing symptoms like a runny nose and cough [ə koʊld]

"I have been silly," she said to him, at last. "I ask your forgiveness.

• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• have been: present perfect tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition that started in the past and continues to the present [hæv bɪn]
• silly: foolish or lacking good sense [ˈsɪli]
• she: refers to a female person or character previously mentioned or known [ʃi]
• said: past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]
• to: expressing direction or location [tɪ]
• him: refers to a male person or character previously mentioned or known [ɪm]
• at last: finally; after a long delay [æt læst]
• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• ask: to request or inquire [æsk]
• your forgiveness: asking for pardon for one's mistakes or offenses [jʊr fərˈgɪvnəs]

He was surprised by this absence of reproaches.

• He: refers to a male person or character previously mentioned or known [hi]
• was surprised: felt astonishment or amazement [wɑz səˈpraɪzd]
• by: indicating the cause or agent of an action [baɪ]
• this absence: the lack or non-existence of something [ðɪs ˈæbsəns]
• of reproaches: expressions of disapproval or blame [əv reproaches]

He stood there all bewildered, the glass globe held arrested in mid-air.

• He: refers to a male person or character previously mentioned or known [hi]
• stood: past tense of 'stand', meaning to be in an upright position [stʊd]
• there: in that place or position [ðɛr]
• all bewildered: completely confused or puzzled [ɔl bɪˈwɪldərd]
• the glass globe: a spherical object made of glass [ðə glæs gloʊb]
• held: past participle of 'hold', meaning to grasp or support [hɛld]
• arrested: stopped or suspended in motion [ərˈɛstɪd]
• in mid-air: in the middle of the air; not touching the ground or any surface [ɪn mid-air]

He did not understand this quiet sweetness.

• He: refers to a male person or character previously mentioned or known [hi]
• did not understand: failed to comprehend [dɪd nɑt ˌəndərˈstænd]
• this quiet sweetness: a gentle and pleasant quality [ðɪs kwaɪət sˈwitnəs]

"Of course I love you," the flower said to him. "It is my fault that you have not known it all the while.

• Of course: certainly; definitely [əv kɔrs]
• I: the speaker or writer [aɪ]
• love: a strong feeling of affection [ləv]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• the flower: a specific flower being referred to [ðə flaʊər]
• said: past tense of 'say', meaning to utter words [sɛd]
• to: expressing direction or location [tɪ]
• him: refers to a male person or character previously mentioned or known [ɪm]
• It: refers to a situation or fact [ɪt]
• is: present tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition [ɪz]
• my fault: something for which one is responsible or to blame [maɪ fɔlt]
• that: introducing a clause specifying the fault [ðət]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• have not known: have not been aware of [hæv nɑt noʊn]
• it: refers to the love [ɪt]
• all the while: during the entire time [ɔl ðə waɪl]

That is of no importance.

• That: refers to the fact that the other person didn't know about the love [ðət]
• is: present tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition [ɪz]
• of no importance: not significant or relevant [əv noʊ ˌɪmˈpɔrtəns]

But you — you have been just as foolish as I.

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• you: the person being addressed [ju]
• have been: present perfect tense of 'be', indicating a state or condition that started in the past and continues to the present [hæv bɪn]
• just as foolish: equally as lacking in good sense [ʤɪst ɛz ˈfulɪʃ]
• as I: as the speaker [ɛz aɪ]

Try to be happy...

• Try: make an attempt or effort to do something [traɪ]
• to be: in order to become [tɪ bi]
• happy: feeling or showing pleasure or contentment [ˈhæpi]

Let the glass globe be.

• Let: allow or permit [lɛt]
• the glass globe: a spherical object made of glass [ðə glæs gloʊb]
• be: to remain in its current state [bi]

"But the wind — "

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said previously [bət]
• the wind: air moving naturally and sometimes with considerable force from a high-pressure area to a low-pressure area [ðə wɪnd]

"My cold is not so bad as all that...

• My cold: a common illness that makes you sneeze and cough [maɪ koʊld]
• is not so bad: not as severe or serious as something else [ɪz nɑt soʊ bæd]
• as all that: to the extent that has been suggested [ɛz ɔl ðət]

The cool night air will do me good.

• The cool night air: the air at night that is moderately cold [ðə kul naɪt ɛr]
• will do me good: will have a beneficial effect on me [wɪl du mi gʊd]

"But the animals — "

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something that has been said previously [bət]
• the animals: living creatures that are not human or plants [ðə ˈænəməlz]

"Well, I must endure the presence of two or three caterpillars if I wish to become acquainted with the butterflies.

• Well: used to express surprise, hesitation, or to introduce a remark [wɛl]
• I must endure: I have to put up with something painful or unpleasant [aɪ məst ɪnˈdʊr]
• the presence: the state or fact of being present, existence [ðə ˈprɛzəns]
• of two or three caterpillars: the larval stage of a butterfly or moth [əv tu ər θri ˈkætəˌpɪlərz]
• if I wish: if I desire or want [ɪf aɪ wɪʃ]
• to become acquainted with: to get to know someone or something [tɪ bɪˈkəm əkˈweɪnɪd wɪθ]
• the butterflies: insects with brightly colored wings [ðə ˈbətərˌflaɪz]

It seems that they are very beautiful.

• It seems: it appears to be the case [ɪt simz]
• that they are very beautiful: that the butterflies are extremely attractive [ðət ðeɪ ər ˈvɛri ˈbjutəfəl]

And if not the butterflies — and the caterpillars — who will call upon me?

• And if not: and if that is not the case [ənd ɪf nɑt]
• the butterflies: insects with brightly colored wings [ðə ˈbətərˌflaɪz]
• and: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• the caterpillars: the larval stage of a butterfly or moth [ðə ˈkætəˌpɪlərz]
• who will call upon me: who will visit me [hu wɪl kɔl əˈpɑn mi]

You will be far away...

• You will be far away: you will be at a great distance [ju wɪl bi fɑr əˈweɪ]

As for the large animals — I am not at all afraid of any of them.

• As for: with regard to [ɛz fər]
• the large animals: animals of considerable size [ðə lɑrʤ ˈænəməlz]
• I am not at all afraid: I have no fear whatsoever [aɪ æm nɑt æt ɔl əˈfreɪd]
• of any of them: of any of the large animals [əv ˈɛni əv ðɛm]

And, naïvely, she showed her four thorns.

• And: used to connect words of the same part of speech, clauses, or sentences, that are to be taken jointly [ənd]
• naïvely: in a way that shows a lack of experience, wisdom, or judgment [naïvely]
• she showed: she displayed or revealed [ʃi ʃoʊd]
• her four thorns: four sharp, pointed spines on a plant [hər fɔr θɔrnz]

"Don't linger like this.

• Don't: contraction of 'do not', used to give a negative command or instruction [doʊnt]
• linger: to stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave [ˈlɪŋər]
• like this: in this manner; in the way that is currently happening [laɪk ðɪs]

You have decided to go away.

• You have decided: You made a decision in the past and it is still relevant now [ju hæv ˌdɪˈsaɪdɪd]
• to go away: to leave a place; to depart [tɪ goʊ əˈweɪ]

For she did not want him to see her crying.

• For: used to introduce a reason or explanation [fər]
• she did not want: she had no desire or wish [ʃi dɪd nɑt wɔnt]
• him to see: for him to witness or observe [ɪm tɪ si]
• her crying: the act of her shedding tears, usually due to sadness or strong emotion [hər kraɪɪŋ]

She was such a proud flower.

• She was: She existed as [ʃi wɑz]
• such a proud flower: an extremely dignified and self-respecting flower [səʧ ə praʊd flaʊər]

X

He found himself in the neighborhood of the asteroids 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, and 330.

• He found himself: He realized he was [hi faʊnd hɪmˈsɛlf]
• in the neighborhood of: in the vicinity or area of [ɪn ðə ˈneɪbərˌhʊd əv]
• the asteroids: small rocky bodies orbiting the sun [ðə ˈæstərˌɔɪdz]
• 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, and 330: specific numerical designations of asteroids [325 326 327 328 329 ənd 330]

He began, therefore, by visiting them, in order to add to his knowledge.

• He began, therefore: Consequently, he started [hi bɪˈgæn ˈðɛrˌfɔr]
• by visiting them: by going to see each of the asteroids [baɪ ˈvɪzɪtɪŋ ðɛm]
• in order to add: with the purpose of increasing [ɪn ˈɔrdər tɪ æd]
• to his knowledge: the amount of information he possessed [tɪ hɪz ˈnɑlɪʤ]

The first of them was inhabited by a king.

• The first of them: The initial one among the group [ðə fərst əv ðɛm]
• was inhabited: had residents or occupants [wɑz ˌɪnˈhæbətəd]
• by a king: by a male ruler of a kingdom [baɪ ə kɪŋ]

Clad in royal purple and ermine, he was seated upon a throne which was at the same time both simple and majestic.

• Clad in: Dressed in; wearing [klæd ɪn]
• royal purple: a deep purple color associated with royalty [rɔɪəl ˈpərpəl]
• and ermine: a white fur, often used to trim royal garments [ənd ˈərmən]
• he was seated: he was sitting [hi wɑz ˈsitɪd]
• upon a throne: on a ceremonial chair for a monarch [əˈpɑn ə θroʊn]
• which was: that was [wɪʧ wɑz]
• at the same time: simultaneously [æt ðə seɪm taɪm]
• both simple and majestic: having qualities of both being unadorned and grand [boʊθ ˈsɪmpəl ənd məˈʤɛstɪk]