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 JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
accompany
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
almost
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
AlthoughnounUS /ˈalthough/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
anxious
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
arrived
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
assist
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
bay
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
beacon
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
bearingsplural nounUS /ˈberɪŋz/
directions used to locate a place, especially at sea
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
boat
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
BULLY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
burning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
ByprepositionUS /baɪ/
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
cast
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
chances
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
clouds
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
crewnounUS /crew/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
danger
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
darkness
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
Darry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
dashing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
dense
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
difficult
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
duties
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
essential
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
expectation
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
fire
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
flying
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
fog
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
glarenounUS /glare/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
havingauxiliary verbUS /ˈhævɪŋ/
the -ing form of “have”
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
hold
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
JIM
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
keep
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
lifenounUS /life/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
looks
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
many
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
men
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/
used to say something is possible but not certain
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
night
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
oars
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
onprepositionUS /ɑːn/
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
OnepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
only
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/
used to join alternatives or possibilities
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
other
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
overhead
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
passednounUS /passed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
passengers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
perform
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
possibly
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
returning
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
savers
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
scene
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
sea
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
seeing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
seemednounUS /seemed/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
seen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
serve
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
several
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
some
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
spray
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
stormy
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
taken
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
task
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
thesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/
the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/
used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
timenounUS /time/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
toparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
toiled
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
too
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
vessel
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
vim
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading One of these was to keep the fire burning, so that it might serve as a beacon to the life savers as they toiled at the oars.
wentnounUS /went/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/
the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
WhatpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading What with the darkness, and the flying spray that seemed almost as dense as fog, it was a difficult task to hold their bearings, and this glare upon the clouds overhead was essential.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/
used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
willing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading They were only too willing to assist, and as time passed many anxious looks were cast out upon the dashing sea in expectation of seeing the boat returning, possibly with some of the passengers or crew of the vessel in danger.
withprepositionUS /wɪð/
in the company of; together with
From this reading JIM THE BULLY Although he could not accompany the life savers in the boat Darry had been given duties to perform, which he went about with a vim.
wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading By this time several other men arrived on the scene, having taken chances upon the bay when it was seen that the night would be stormy.
