Chapter XI

with admiration

From this reading QUICK THINKING “It must have taken some nerve to do it at all,” declared Lee admiringly.

plural of “adventure” — a wild and exciting undertaking (not necessarily lawful)

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading QUICK THINKING “It must have taken some nerve to do it at all,” declared Lee admiringly.

(of actions or states) slightly short of or not quite accomplished; all but

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

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

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading QUICK THINKING “It must have taken some nerve to do it at all,” declared Lee admiringly.

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading “If seamen didn’t help each other out that way, the life would be even harder than it is.”

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

showing who or what does the action

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

inflected form of “come” — move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

the act of drawing spatially closer to something

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

plural of “corner” — a place off to the side of an area

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

made known or openly avowed

From this reading QUICK THINKING “It must have taken some nerve to do it at all,” declared Lee admiringly.

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

From this reading “If seamen didn’t help each other out that way, the life would be even harder than it is.”

the main meal of the day served in the evening or at midday

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis

From this reading QUICK THINKING “It must have taken some nerve to do it at all,” declared Lee admiringly.

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

every one of two or more people or things, taken separately

From this reading “If seamen didn’t help each other out that way, the life would be even harder than it is.”

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

the 3rd planet from the sun; the planet we live on

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

plural of “episode” — a happening that is distinctive in a series of related events

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

divisible by two

From this reading “If seamen didn’t help each other out that way, the life would be even harder than it is.”

to or in any or all places

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

creating or arousing excitement

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

to a considerable degree; very much

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

having your attention fixated as though by a spell

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

change location; move, travel, or proceed, also metaphorically

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

the act of departing

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

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

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

comparative of “hard” — with effort or force or vigor

From this reading “If seamen didn’t help each other out that way, the life would be even harder than it is.”

only a very short time before

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading QUICK THINKING “It must have taken some nerve to do it at all,” declared Lee admiringly.

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

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

perceive (sound) via the auditory sense

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading “If seamen didn’t help each other out that way, the life would be even harder than it is.”

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

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

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

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

discontinued temporarily

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

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

From this reading “If seamen didn’t help each other out that way, the life would be even harder than it is.”

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading QUICK THINKING “It must have taken some nerve to do it at all,” declared Lee admiringly.

inflected form of “know” — be cognizant or aware of a fact or a specific piece of information; possess knowledge or information about

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

United States filmmaker whose works explore the richness of black culture in America (born in 1957)

From this reading QUICK THINKING “It must have taken some nerve to do it at all,” declared Lee admiringly.

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading “If seamen didn’t help each other out that way, the life would be even harder than it is.”

unwillingness to do something contrary to your custom

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

possessive form of “man” — an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

plural of “message” — a communication (usually brief) that is written or spoken or signaled

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading QUICK THINKING “It must have taken some nerve to do it at all,” declared Lee admiringly.

any bundle of nerve fibers running to various organs and tissues of the body

From this reading QUICK THINKING “It must have taken some nerve to do it at all,” declared Lee admiringly.

not one thing; not anything

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

many times at short intervals

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading “If seamen didn’t help each other out that way, the life would be even harder than it is.”

accomplished rapidly and without delay

From this reading QUICK THINKING “It must have taken some nerve to do it at all,” declared Lee admiringly.

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

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

being the one previously mentioned or spoken of

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

Identical; not different.

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

plural of “seaman” — a man who serves as a sailor

From this reading “If seamen didn’t help each other out that way, the life would be even harder than it is.”

plural of “ship” — a vessel that carries passengers or freight

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading QUICK THINKING “It must have taken some nerve to do it at all,” declared Lee admiringly.

inflected form of “spin” — revolve quickly and repeatedly around one's own axis

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

plural of “story” — a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading QUICK THINKING “It must have taken some nerve to do it at all,” declared Lee admiringly.

separate or cause to separate abruptly

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading “If seamen didn’t help each other out that way, the life would be even harder than it is.”

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading “If seamen didn’t help each other out that way, the life would be even harder than it is.”

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

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

used when the people doing the action are also its object

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

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

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

a special situation

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

the process of using your mind to consider something carefully

From this reading QUICK THINKING “It must have taken some nerve to do it at all,” declared Lee admiringly.

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

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

From this reading QUICK THINKING “It must have taken some nerve to do it at all,” declared Lee admiringly.

the speaker and others, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

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

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading “Well, we knew they’d have done the same thing for us, if conditions had been the other way round,” said Quinn.

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

at the time that

From this reading He was often interrupted by messages coming or going, but the boys were fascinated by his stories, and could hardly tear themselves away when dinner time came.

medium for communication

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “If seamen didn’t help each other out that way, the life would be even harder than it is.”

the act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events

From this reading The boys were eager to hear more of the wireless man’s adventures, and he, nothing loth, spun them more than one yarn of exciting episodes in far corners of the earth, for he had been almost everywhere that ships go.