The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint Exupery- page 26

The geographer was suddenly stirred to excitement.

• The geographer: A person who studies and creates maps of the Earth's surface [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]
• was: Past tense of 'is'; indicates a state of being in the past [wɑz]
• suddenly: Happening quickly and unexpectedly [ˈsədənli]
• stirred: To arouse or excite an emotion or feeling [stərd]
• to excitement: A state of great enthusiasm and eagerness [tɪ ɪkˈsaɪtmənt]

"But you — you come from far away!

• But: Introduces a contrasting statement [bət]
• you: The person being addressed [ju]
• you: The person being addressed [ju]
• come: To move or travel towards a place [kəm]
• from far away: From a distant place [frəm fɑr əˈweɪ]

You are an explorer!

• You: The person being addressed [ju]
• are: Indicates a state of being or condition [ər]
• an explorer: A person who explores or investigates unknown regions [ən ɪkˈsplɔrər]

And, having opened his big register, the geographer sharpened his pencil.

• And: Connects two clauses or sentences [ənd]
• having opened: After opening [ˈhævɪŋ ˈoʊpənd]
• his big register: A large book or record for keeping important information [hɪz bɪg ˈrɛʤɪstər]
• the geographer: A person who studies and creates maps of the Earth's surface [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]
• sharpened: Made sharper [ˈʃɑrpənd]
• his pencil: A tool for writing or drawing [hɪz ˈpɛnsəl]

The recitals of explorers are put down first in pencil.

• The recitals: A detailed account of something [ðə rɪˈsaɪtəlz]
• of explorers: People who explore or investigate unknown regions [əv ɪkˈsplɔrərz]
• are put down: Are written or recorded [ər pʊt daʊn]
• first: Before anything else [fərst]
• in pencil: Using a pencil [ɪn ˈpɛnsəl]

One waits until the explorer has furnished proofs, before putting them down in ink.

• One: Refers to a person; used in a general sense to mean 'someone' or 'people' [wən]
• waits: To remain inactive or in a state of expectation [weɪts]
• until: Up to the point in time or the event mentioned [ənˈtɪl]
• the explorer: A person who explores or investigates unknown regions [ðə ɪkˈsplɔrər]
• has furnished: Has provided or supplied [həz ˈfərnɪʃt]
• proofs: Evidence or arguments establishing a fact or the truth of a statement [prufs]
• before: Prior to [ˌbiˈfɔr]
• putting: Placing or setting something in a particular position [ˈpʊtɪŋ]
• them: Referring to the recitals [ðɛm]
• down: To write or record something [daʊn]
• in ink: Using ink [ɪn ɪŋk]

"Well?" said the geographer expectantly.

• Well: An interjection used to prompt a response or indicate impatience. [wɛl]
• said: Past tense of the verb 'to say', indicating that someone spoke. [sɛd]
• the geographer: A person who studies the earth and its features. [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]
• expectantly: With anticipation or hope. [expectantly]

"Oh, where I live," said the little prince, "it is not very interesting.

• Oh: An interjection, often expressing surprise, understanding, or a change in thought. [oʊ]
• where: In or at which place. [wɛr]
• I live: The act of residing or making one's home. [aɪ lɪv]
• said: Past tense of the verb 'to say'. [sɛd]
• the little prince: A young royal figure. [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• it: Refers to a previously mentioned subject or situation. [ɪt]
• is: A form of the verb 'to be', indicating existence or a state of being. [ɪz]
• not: A word used to negate a statement. [nɑt]
• very: To a great extent; extremely. [ˈvɛri]
• interesting: Arousing curiosity or attention. [ˈɪntəˌrɛstɪŋ]

It is all so small.

• It: Refers to a previously mentioned subject or situation. [ɪt]
• is: A form of the verb 'to be'. [ɪz]
• all: The whole of; everything. [ɔl]
• so: To such a great extent. [soʊ]
• small: Limited in size; not large. [smɔl]

I have three volcanoes.

• I: The speaker or writer. [aɪ]
• have: To possess or hold. [hæv]
• three volcanoes: Mountains with openings in the earth's crust through which molten rock, hot gases, and ash erupt. [θri vɑlˈkeɪnoʊz]

Two volcanoes are active and the other is extinct.

• Two volcanoes: Referring to two of the previously mentioned volcanoes. [tu vɑlˈkeɪnoʊz]
• are: A form of the verb 'to be'. [ər]
• active: Currently erupting or likely to erupt. [ˈæktɪv]
• and: A conjunction used to connect words or clauses. [ənd]
• the other: The remaining one. [ðə ˈəðər]
• is: A form of the verb 'to be'. [ɪz]
• extinct: No longer erupting or likely to erupt. [ɪkˈstɪŋkt]

"One never knows," said the geographer.

• One: A person; anyone. [wən]
• never: At no time; not ever. [ˈnɛvər]
• knows: Is aware of or understands. [noʊz]
• said: Past tense of the verb 'to say'. [sɛd]
• the geographer: A person who studies the earth and its features. [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]

"I have also a flower."

• I: The speaker or writer. [aɪ]
• have: To possess or hold. [hæv]
• also: In addition; as well. [ˈɔlsoʊ]
• a flower: The seed-bearing part of a plant, often brightly colored and fragrant. [ə flaʊər]

"We do not record flowers," said the geographer.

• We: The speaker and one or more other people. [wi]
• do: Auxiliary verb used to form negative statements and questions. [du]
• not: A word used to negate a statement. [nɑt]
• record: To write down or document. [ˈrɛkərd]
• flowers: The seed-bearing part of a plant, often brightly colored and fragrant. [flaʊərz]
• said: Past tense of the verb 'to say'. [sɛd]
• the geographer: A person who studies the earth and its features. [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]

"Why is that?

• Why: For what reason or purpose. [waɪ]
• is: A form of the verb 'to be'. [ɪz]
• that: Referring to the previous statement or situation. [ðət]

"We do not record them," said the geographer, "because they are ephemeral."

• We: The speaker and one or more other people. [wi]
• do: Auxiliary verb used to form negative statements and questions. [du]
• not: A word used to negate a statement. [nɑt]
• record: To write down or document. [ˈrɛkərd]
• them: Referring to the flowers. [ðɛm]
• said: Past tense of the verb 'to say'. [sɛd]
• the geographer: A person who studies the earth and its features. [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]
• because: For the reason that. [bɪˈkəz]
• they: Referring to the flowers. [ðeɪ]
• are: A form of the verb 'to be'. [ər]
• ephemeral: Lasting for a very short time. [ɪˈfɛmərəl]

"What does that mean — 'ephemeral'?"

• What: Used to ask for specific information. [wət]
• does: Auxiliary verb used to form questions. [dɪz]
• that: Referring to something previously mentioned. [ðət]
• mean: To signify or represent. [min]
• ephemeral: Lasting for a very short time. [ɪˈfɛmərəl]

"Geographies," said the geographer, "are the books which, of all books, are most concerned with matters of consequence.

• Geographies: Plural of "geography," referring to the study of the Earth's physical features, atmosphere, and human activities. [geographies]
• said: past tense of "say," indicating that someone spoke. [sɛd]
• the geographer: the person who studies geography. [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]
• are: present tense of the verb "to be," linking the subject to the description. [ər]
• the books: referring to written works. [ðə bʊks]
• which: a relative pronoun referring back to "the books." [wɪʧ]
• of all books: out of all the books that exist. [əv ɔl bʊks]
• are: present tense of the verb "to be," linking the subject to the description. [ər]
• most concerned: most interested or involved. [moʊst kənˈsərnd]
• with matters: with subjects or issues. [wɪθ ˈmætərz]
• of consequence: of importance or significance. [əv ˈkɑnsəkwəns]

They never become old-fashioned.

• They: referring to "geographies." [ðeɪ]
• never: at no time; not ever. [ˈnɛvər]
• become: to change into or start to be. [bɪˈkəm]
• old-fashioned: no longer modern or popular. [ˌoʊldˈfæʃənd]

It is very rarely that a mountain changes its position.

• It: referring to a situation or event. [ɪt]
• is: present tense of the verb "to be." [ɪz]
• very rarely: almost never; seldom. [ˈvɛri ˈrɛrli]
• that: used to introduce a clause. [ðət]
• a mountain: a large natural elevation of the earth's surface. [ə ˈmaʊntən]
• changes: to become different. [ˈʧeɪnʤɪz]
• its: possessive pronoun referring to the mountain. [ɪts]
• position: the place where something is located. [pəˈzɪʃən]

It is very rarely that an ocean empties itself of its waters.

• It: referring to a situation or event. [ɪt]
• is: present tense of the verb "to be." [ɪz]
• very rarely: almost never; seldom. [ˈvɛri ˈrɛrli]
• that: used to introduce a clause. [ðət]
• an ocean: a very large expanse of sea. [ən ˈoʊʃən]
• empties: to remove everything from. [ˈɛmtiz]
• itself: reflexive pronoun referring to the ocean. [ˌɪtˈsɛlf]
• of: expressing removal or separation. [əv]
• its: possessive pronoun referring to the ocean. [ɪts]
• waters: the liquid that forms the seas, lakes, and rivers. [ˈwɔtərz]

"But extinct volcanoes may come to life again," the little prince interrupted. "What does that mean — 'ephemeral'?"

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said. [bət]
• extinct: no longer active or existing. [ɪkˈstɪŋkt]
• volcanoes: mountains with openings in the earth's crust through which molten rock, hot gases, and ash erupt. [vɑlˈkeɪnoʊz]
• may: expressing possibility. [meɪ]
• come: to move or travel toward or into a place. [kəm]
• to life: to become active or functional again. [tɪ laɪf]
• again: once more; another time. [əˈgɛn]
• the little prince: a young royal person. [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• interrupted: to stop someone from speaking by saying or doing something. [ˌɪntərˈəptɪd]
• What: used to ask for information. [wət]
• does: auxiliary verb used to form questions. [dɪz]
• that: referring to something previously mentioned. [ðət]
• mean: to express or represent something such as an idea, thought, or fact. [min]
• ephemeral: lasting for a very short time. [ɪˈfɛmərəl]

"Whether volcanoes are extinct or alive, it comes to the same thing for us," said the geographer. "The thing that matters to us is the mountain.

• Whether: expressing a choice or doubt between alternatives. [ˈwɛðər]
• volcanoes: mountains with openings in the earth's crust through which molten rock, hot gases, and ash erupt. [vɑlˈkeɪnoʊz]
• are: present tense of the verb "to be." [ər]
• extinct: no longer active or existing. [ɪkˈstɪŋkt]
• or: used to link alternatives. [ər]
• alive: living; not dead. [əˈlaɪv]
• it: referring to a situation or event. [ɪt]
• comes: to move or travel toward or into a place. [kəmz]
• to: expressing direction or purpose. [tɪ]
• the same: exactly alike. [ðə seɪm]
• thing: an object or entity. [θɪŋ]
• for: intended to be given to. [fər]
• us: the speaker and others. [ˈjuˈɛs]
• said: past tense of "say," indicating that someone spoke. [sɛd]
• the geographer: the person who studies geography. [ðə ʤiˈɑgrəfər]
• The: used to refer to something specific. [ðə]
• thing: an object or entity. [θɪŋ]
• that: used to introduce a clause. [ðət]
• matters: to be important or significant. [ˈmætərz]
• to: expressing direction or purpose. [tɪ]
• us: the speaker and others. [ˈjuˈɛs]
• is: present tense of the verb "to be." [ɪz]
• the mountain: a large natural elevation of the earth's surface. [ðə ˈmaʊntən]

"But what does that mean — 'ephemeral'?" repeated the little prince, who never in his life had let go of a question, once he had asked it.

• But: used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or contradicts something previously said [bət]
• what does that mean: a question asking for the definition or explanation of something [wət dɪz ðət min]
• ephemeral: asking for the meaning of the word 'ephemeral' [ ɪˈfɛmərəl]
• repeated: said again [rɪˈpitɪd]
• the little prince: referring to the main character of the story [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns]
• who never in his life had let go of a question, once he had asked it: describing the little prince's persistent nature in seeking answers [hu ˈnɛvər ɪn hɪz laɪf hæd lɛt goʊ əv ə kˈwɛʃən wəns hi hæd æst ɪt]

"It means, 'which is in danger of speedy disappearance.'"

• It means: explaining the definition of something [ɪt minz]
• which is in danger of speedy disappearance: defining 'ephemeral' as something that might disappear quickly [wɪʧ ɪz ɪn ˈdeɪnʤər əv ˈspiˌdi ˌdɪsəˈpɪrəns]

"Is my flower in danger of speedy disappearance?"

• Is my flower in danger of speedy disappearance: questioning whether the flower is likely to disappear quickly [ɪz maɪ flaʊər ɪn ˈdeɪnʤər əv ˈspiˌdi ˌdɪsəˈpɪrəns]

"Certainly it is."

• Certainly it is: confirming that the flower is indeed in danger of disappearing quickly [ˈsərtənli ɪt ɪz]

"My flower is ephemeral," the little prince said to himself, "and she has only four thorns to defend herself against the world.

• My flower is ephemeral: stating that the flower is short-lived or transient [maɪ flaʊər ɪz ɪˈfɛmərəl]
• the little prince said to himself: indicating that the prince is thinking aloud [ðə ˈlɪtəl prɪns sɛd tɪ hɪmˈsɛlf]
• and she has only four thorns to defend herself against the world: describing the flower's limited protection against external threats [ənd ʃi həz ˈoʊnli fɔr θɔrnz tɪ dɪˈfɛnd hərˈsɛlf əˈgɛnst ðə wərld]

That was his first moment of regret.

• That was: referring to a previous event or realization [ðət wɑz]
• his first moment of regret: indicating the initial feeling of remorse or sadness [hɪz fərst ˈmoʊmənt əv rɪˈgrɛt]

But he took courage once more.

• But he took courage once more: indicating a renewed sense of bravery or determination [bət hi tʊk kərɪʤ wəns mɔr]