used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
commonly used or practiced; usual
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
anew
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
touching and pressing; in opposition to
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
at or in the front
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
(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 THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
one more of the same kind, or a different one
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
one or some or every or all without specification
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
having undesirable or negative qualities
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
bearingsnounUS /ˈberɪŋz/
plural of “bearing” — relevant relation or interconnection
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/
the past participle of “be”
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
in addition to; as well as
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
a small vessel for travel on water
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
take something or somebody with oneself somewhere
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
showing who or what does the action
From this reading By degrees he lost sight of the sandy shore.
to be able to, or to be allowed to
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
the skilled practice of a practical occupation
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
Darry
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
plural of “degree” — a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality
From this reading By degrees he lost sight of the sandy shore.
didauxiliary verbUS /dɪd/
the past form of “do”, used in questions and negatives
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
dismaynounUS /dɪˈsmeɪ/
the feeling of despair in the face of obstacles
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
divisible by two
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
handleverbUS /ˈhændəl/
be in charge of, act on, or dispose of
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
heavingnounUS /ˈhiːvɪŋ/
an upward movement (especially a rhythmical rising and falling)
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
how
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
not capable of occurring or being accomplished or dealt with
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
IMPRISONEDadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈprɪzənd/
being in captivity
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
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 Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
LAUNCHverbUS /lɔːntʃ/
set up or found
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
used to form the comparative of some adjectives and adverbs
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
primarily temporal sense; being or indicating a relatively great or greater than average duration or passage of time or a duration as specified
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
no longer in your possession or control; unable to be found or recovered
From this reading By degrees he lost sight of the sandy shore.
a formally arranged gathering
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
nauticaladjectiveUS /ˈnɔːtəkəl/
relating to or involving ships or shipping or navigation or seamen
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
oarsnounUS /ɔːrz/
plural of “oar” — an implement used to propel or steer a boat
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
a tangible and visible entity; an entity that can cast a shadow
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
touching and supported by a surface
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
and nothing more
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
have ownership or possession of
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
a customary way of operation or behavior
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
the possibility of future success
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
necessary for relief or supply
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
any member of a ship's crew
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
sandyadjectiveUS /ˈsændi/
of hair color; pale yellowish to yellowish brown
From this reading By degrees he lost sight of the sandy shore.
perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
any broad thin expanse or surface
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
the land along the edge of a body of water
From this reading By degrees he lost sight of the sandy shore.
a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
an instance of visual perception
From this reading By degrees he lost sight of the sandy shore.
an ability that has been acquired by training
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
superlative of “slight” — (quantifier used with mass nouns) small in quantity or degree; not much or almost none or (with “a”) at least some
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
staunchadjectiveUS /stɔːntʃ/
firm and dependable especially in loyalty
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
make steady
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
confined on all sides
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading THE IMPRISONED LAUNCH The prospect ahead did not dismay Darry at all.
subsequently or soon afterward (often used as sentence connectors)
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
in spite of the fact that
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
upsetverbUS /əpˈset/
disturb the balance or stability of
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/
the past form of “be” used with I, he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent
From this reading He was now surrounded by a heaving sheet of water, and it required all his knowledge of things nautical to keep his bearings, for it was impossible to see even the slightest object on any side.
plural of “wave” — one of a series of ridges that moves across the surface of a liquid (especially across a large body of water)
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
the atmospheric conditions that comprise the state of the atmosphere in terms of temperature and wind and clouds and precipitation
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
in the company of; together with
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past
From this reading Besides, his boat though old, was staunch, and could hold its own against waves that would upset another craft less steady; and then again he knew how to handle his oars with the skill that only long practice can bring.
a late time of life
From this reading He had been a sailor for some years and was accustomed to meeting all kinds of bad weather.
