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AdeterminerUS /ə/
used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
absolutely
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From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
activity
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading The loyal ship was getting nearer to him, and Captain Rombold could not avoid seeing that his situation was becoming desperate.
anxiety
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
apparatus
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
avoid
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From this reading The loyal ship was getting nearer to him, and Captain Rombold could not avoid seeing that his situation was becoming desperate.
battle
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From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
becoming
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The loyal ship was getting nearer to him, and Captain Rombold could not avoid seeing that his situation was becoming desperate.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
Bellevite
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
board
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
butconjunctionUS /bʌt/
used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
CaptainnounUS /ˈcaptain/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading The loyal ship was getting nearer to him, and Captain Rombold could not avoid seeing that his situation was becoming desperate.
Christy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
close
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executive officer kept a close watch upon the enemy, frequently using his glass, even while he was discussing his suggestion with the captain.
commander
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
deck
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
degree
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
desperate
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The loyal ship was getting nearer to him, and Captain Rombold could not avoid seeing that his situation was becoming desperate.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
discussing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executive officer kept a close watch upon the enemy, frequently using his glass, even while he was discussing his suggestion with the captain.
doauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
down
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
efficiency
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
enemy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executive officer kept a close watch upon the enemy, frequently using his glass, even while he was discussing his suggestion with the captain.
enemy's
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading The executive officer kept a close watch upon the enemy, frequently using his glass, even while he was discussing his suggestion with the captain.
executive
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executive officer kept a close watch upon the enemy, frequently using his glass, even while he was discussing his suggestion with the captain.
expectverbUS /ɪkˈspekt/
to think that something will happen
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
flag
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
FLANK
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
forprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
frequently
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executive officer kept a close watch upon the enemy, frequently using his glass, even while he was discussing his suggestion with the captain.
getting
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The loyal ship was getting nearer to him, and Captain Rombold could not avoid seeing that his situation was becoming desperate.
glass
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executive officer kept a close watch upon the enemy, frequently using his glass, even while he was discussing his suggestion with the captain.
greatnounUS /great/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
hardly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
haul
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/
used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
helpnounUS /help/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/
belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
himpronounUS /hɪm/
the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition
From this reading The loyal ship was getting nearer to him, and Captain Rombold could not avoid seeing that his situation was becoming desperate.
hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading The loyal ship was getting nearer to him, and Captain Rombold could not avoid seeing that his situation was becoming desperate.
hopeful
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
intended
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
ItpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
kept
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executive officer kept a close watch upon the enemy, frequently using his glass, even while he was discussing his suggestion with the captain.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
leastnounUS /least/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
loyal
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The loyal ship was getting nearer to him, and Captain Rombold could not avoid seeing that his situation was becoming desperate.
making
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
MOVEMENT
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/
used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
near
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
nearer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The loyal ship was getting nearer to him, and Captain Rombold could not avoid seeing that his situation was becoming desperate.
necessary
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
officer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executive officer kept a close watch upon the enemy, frequently using his glass, even while he was discussing his suggestion with the captain.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
present
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
progress
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
rapid
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
ready
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
regarding
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
restored
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
Rombold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The loyal ship was getting nearer to him, and Captain Rombold could not avoid seeing that his situation was becoming desperate.
seeing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The loyal ship was getting nearer to him, and Captain Rombold could not avoid seeing that his situation was becoming desperate.
shepronounUS /ʃiː/
a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
shipnounUS /ship/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
situation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The loyal ship was getting nearer to him, and Captain Rombold could not avoid seeing that his situation was becoming desperate.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
somethingpronounUS /ˈsʌmθɪŋ/
a thing, without saying which
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
steering
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
stern
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
suggestion
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executive officer kept a close watch upon the enemy, frequently using his glass, even while he was discussing his suggestion with the captain.
Tallahatchie
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
ThedeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
There
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading There was great activity on deck near the stern of the Tallahatchie, and her commander must have been at least hopeful that the steering apparatus could be restored to some degree of efficiency.
throughnounUS /ˈthrough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
UNDERTAKEN
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
unlessconjunctionUS /ənˈles/
except if; if not
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading The executive officer kept a close watch upon the enemy, frequently using his glass, even while he was discussing his suggestion with the captain.
using
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executive officer kept a close watch upon the enemy, frequently using his glass, even while he was discussing his suggestion with the captain.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
watch
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading The executive officer kept a close watch upon the enemy, frequently using his glass, even while he was discussing his suggestion with the captain.
water
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/
during the time that
From this reading The executive officer kept a close watch upon the enemy, frequently using his glass, even while he was discussing his suggestion with the captain.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading A FLANK MOVEMENT UNDERTAKEN The commander of the enemy's ship could not know that the Bellevite intended to board; but he could hardly help regarding with anxiety the rapid progress she was making through the water.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading It was absolutely necessary for him to do something, unless he was ready to haul down his flag, which Christy, for one, having been present at a battle with him, did not expect him to do yet.
